Pakistan has reacted sharply after the United States officially designated The Resistance Front (TRF)—a proxy of the banned terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)—as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). The move follows the Pahalgam massacre, where 26 civilians, mostly tourists, were gunned down—an attack described by U.S. officials as the deadliest in India since the 2008 Mumbai attacks, which were also carried out by LeT operatives.
While India welcomed the U.S. designation, Pakistan launched into its familiar pattern of denial and deflection, disassociating itself from TRF and accusing India of politicizing terrorism.
In its official response, Islamabad claimed:
“Lashkar-e-Taiba is a defunct organisation banned in Pakistan... Pakistan has comprehensively dismantled concerned outfits, arrested and prosecuted the leadership, and deradicalised its cadres.”
Despite this claim, India and international agencies have consistently cited evidence of LeT’s continued activity, often through front groups like TRF, widely believed to have been created to distance LeT from direct attacks in Jammu & Kashmir.
Pakistan went further, framing itself once again as a “frontline state against terrorism”, while accusing India of:
“Misusing international forums to defame Pakistan and divert attention from its rogue behaviour and human rights violations in IIOJ&K (Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir).”
This rhetoric—often deployed whenever Pakistan faces international scrutiny—coincides with rising domestic security threats, especially in Balochistan, where Baloch militant groups like the Majeed Brigade of the BLA have been targeting Pakistani military and security installations. Islamabad has urged the global community to take action against these groups, seeking parity in how terrorism is addressed.
Meanwhile, the U.S. decision, announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, has broader implications. It strengthens India’s case at the UN Security Council’s 1267 Sanctions Committee, where India is expected to push for further international isolation of TRF and its parent network. However, China’s reaction was muted. Known for protecting Pakistan at the UN, Beijing avoided specifics and merely stated:
“China calls on regional countries to enhance counterterrorism cooperation and jointly maintain regional security and stability.”
Strategic Implications:
-
India sees this designation as a diplomatic win, bolstering its narrative on cross-border terrorism.
-
Pakistan faces renewed global scrutiny amid its ongoing economic and political instability.
-
The issue may further deepen rifts in forums like the UN Security Council, where China’s role as Pakistan’s shield continues to hinder cohesive global counterterrorism efforts.
As the US, India, and other countries increase pressure on Pakistan-based terror groups, the spotlight will remain firmly on how far Islamabad goes beyond rhetoric in dismantling these organisations—and whether China continues to obstruct meaningful action at the global level.
