Islamabad rejects the U.S. terror designation for the Lashkar-linked group, accusing India of spreading misinformation.
In a major move, the United States has officially designated The Resistance Front (TRF) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. The decision comes after rising concerns over TRF’s involvement in terror activities, including the recent Pahalgam massacre. However, Pakistan has strongly denied any links between TRF and the attack, claiming that Lashkar-e-Taiba—believed to be behind TRF—is no longer active within its borders.
Pakistan reacted strongly on Friday after the United States officially designated The Resistance Front (TRF)—believed to be a front for the banned terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba—as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. As expected, Pakistan deflected the blame and raised the Kashmir issue in response.
This US designation comes just weeks after TRF claimed responsibility for the horrific Pahalgam massacre, where 26 people—mostly tourists—were killed in cold blood. US officials called it the deadliest terrorist attack on civilians in India since the 2008 Mumbai attacks, which were also linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives.
Pakistan claims it has effectively dismantled terror outfits, arrested and prosecuted their leaders, and deradicalized militants.
It describes itself as a “frontline state against terrorism,” highlighting its contribution to global peace through counter-terrorism efforts.
Pakistan rejects India’s evidence linking Lashkar-e-Taiba to the Pahalgam massacre, calling it an attempt to “misuse international forums to defame Pakistan.”
The statement accuses India of exploiting terror designations to spread anti-Pakistan propaganda.
Pakistan alleges India aims to divert international attention from its own “irresponsible and rogue behavior,” including ongoing human rights abuses, particularly in IIOJ&K (Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir).
Pakistan has called on the international community to adopt “objective and non-discriminatory policies” in the global fight against terrorism. This appeal comes amid growing concerns in Islamabad, which is increasingly alarmed by attacks from Baloch militants targeting security forces in Balochistan. Pakistan has also urged action against the Majeed Brigade of the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA).
In a related development, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the Department of State has officially designated The Resistance Front (TRF) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) entity. India warmly welcomed the US decision.
This move is expected to have significant implications at the United Nations, particularly within the Security Council’s 1267 Sanctions Committee, which oversees global terror designations. India is likely to push for the further international isolation of TRF and its parent group, Lashkar-e-Taiba.
Meanwhile, China, a permanent member of the Security Council known for often shielding Pakistan from sanctions, responded cautiously. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian called on regional countries to strengthen counterterrorism cooperation and work together to maintain regional security and stability.