Pakistan Denies Links to The Resistance Front
Pakistan has strongly objected to the United States’ decision to designate The Resistance Front (TRF) as a global terrorist organisation, calling the move “politically motivated” and “factually baseless.” In a statement issued on Thursday, Pakistan’s Foreign Office rejected what it termed an “unfounded allegation” of the TRF’s link with Pakistani soil or any support from the state.
The US had earlier designated TRF as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO), citing its ties to Lashkar-e-Taiba and involvement in the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which killed 26 civilians. The US action includes sanctions and restrictions on TRF’s financial activities and foreign support.
Pakistan Accuses US of Bias
Pakistan accused Washington of ignoring the “ground realities” of Kashmir and following a one-sided narrative. The Foreign Office claimed the designation of TRF was not based on independently verifiable evidence and undermines peace efforts in South Asia.
“Such labels do not contribute to regional stability but rather serve the political goals of those who wish to malign Pakistan,” the statement said. It also urged the US to avoid politicising counter-terror efforts and focus instead on resolving the Kashmir issue through dialogue.
Delhi Welcomes US Stand
While Pakistan pushed back, India welcomed the US decision, calling it a long-overdue recognition of TRF’s true nature. Indian officials reaffirmed their stance that TRF is nothing more than a rebranded arm of Lashkar-e-Taiba, operating with indirect backing from Pakistani agencies. They said Pakistan’s denial was “routine diplomatic deflection.”
International Pressure Mounts
This exchange comes at a time when global scrutiny over Pakistan’s counter-terrorism credibility is intensifying. Although Pakistan claims it has taken significant action against terrorism, watchdogs and security experts argue that proxy groups like TRF continue to receive covert support and safe haven.
Analysts believe the US decision may now place pressure on other countries to act similarly and could make it more difficult for Pakistan to maintain diplomatic neutrality on such organisations.
What Lies Ahead
The fallout of the US designation is likely to escalate diplomatic tension between Washington and Islamabad. Meanwhile, India is expected to push harder at multilateral platforms to get TRF and its operatives listed under United Nations sanctions—something that has faced resistance in the past from Pakistan’s allies.
