Pakistan Defends Its Stance on TRF After US Labels It Terror Group

International News: The United States recently listed The Resistance Front (TRF) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO). The group, believed by both India and the US to be linked with Lashkar-e-Taiba, had claimed responsibility for the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu, and Kashmir.

Ishaq Dar Says US Has Right to Decide

While speaking at an event in Washington, Pakistan’s foreign minister, Mohammad Ishaq Dar, stated that it is the United States' independent right to label TRF as a terrorist organization. We welcome any evidence they may have.” Dar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the same day.

Pakistan Denies Lashkar Link

Dar dismissed the claims that TRF is connected to Lashkar-e-Taiba, saying that the group was dismantled years ago. “Those behind it were arrested and jailed, and the outfit no longer exists,” he asserted.

Pakistan Blocked TRF Mention at UN

In April, Dar told Pakistan’s Parliament that he had successfully opposed the inclusion of TRF in a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) statement on the Pahalgam attack. “We got calls from many countries, but Pakistan stood firm. TRF’s name was removed,” he said.

No Clear Proof Against TRF: Dar

Dar repeated at the Washington event that, at the time of the UNSC statement, there was no solid evidence linking TRF to the Pahalgam attack, and hence, Pakistan could not support its naming.

India’s Strong Push Against TRF

India declared TRF a terrorist organization in January 2023 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The South Asia Terrorism Portal states that TRF first appeared online in 2019 and has since claimed responsibility for several attacks in Jammu and Kashmir—including grenade attacks and targeted killings.

Efforts at the UN Continue

India presented evidence to the UN’s 1267 Sanctions Committee in May and November 2024, urging international recognition of TRF as a terrorist organization. It had also raised the issue throughout 2023.

Pakistan Wants More Evidence

Despite the US designation and India’s efforts, Pakistan maintains that stronger proof is needed to link TRF to terrorism before accepting international action against the group.