A Pakistani reporter has been subjected to widespread criticism after being caught on camera stealing the Indian national flag from an Indian protester at a protest outside the Indian High Commission in London. The incident, which has gone viral on social media, has evoked a wave of outrage from Indian communities across the globe.

The reporter, named Azhar Javid, was filmed forcibly removing the Indian Tricolour from one of the protesters and making a run for it. The Indian national pursued him, and the whole incident had been filmed by another Pakistani reporter, Safina Khan, who went on to put the clip on the internet. Within no time, the clip went viral, evoking great outrage over what many have labelled as a "blatant insult" to India's national emblem.

The incidents took place against the backdrop of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, in the wake of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 civilians. India has accused Pakistan-based extremist outfits of masterminding the attack, which was later rejected by Pakistan. In retaliation for the fatal incident, both nations have issued retaliatory actions such as diplomatic expulsions, trade bans, and airspace shutdowns. Pakistan has recently tested its Abdali short-range ballistic missile, indicating increased military posturing.

Also read: India Vs Pakistan: Top CEOs And Their Net Worths Revealed In 2025

Pakistani Media Criticized

In another incident, Safina Khan was also spotted reporting outside the Indian High Commission on an Indian flag placed on the ground, which has come under scathing criticism. Social media has criticized such acts as acts of deliberate provocation and disregard of international conventions. Several have also blamed parts of the Pakistani media for inciting hatred and defying diplomatic procedures.

The video of Azhar Javid grabbing the Indian flag has now turned into a flashpoint, widely shared across social media websites and WhatsApp groups. Several people have reacted angrily to this trend of Pakistani media officials showing disrespect towards the Indian nation and its symbols, outside the country.

Also read: SriLankan Airlines Flight Searched At Colombo Airport After India Alerts Of Possible Pahalgam Terror Suspect Onboard