Pakistan Backs US Ban on TRF Despite Past Denials
Pakistan Supports US Terror Designation of TRF, Rejects Lashkar Link
In a major policy shift, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has backed the United States’ decision to designate The Resistance Front (TRF) as a terrorist organisation. TRF, a known Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)-linked group, has claimed several attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, including the recent Pahalgam terror strike on April 22 that killed 26 civilians.
The US State Department formally added TRF to its terror list last week. Hours later, TRF issued a statement condemning the designation and justifying its actions as part of an “armed resistance” against what it called India’s “unlawful occupation” of Jammu and Kashmir.
TRF Defends Terror Acts, Labels Itself a ‘Freedom Struggle’
In a statement released shortly after the US decision, TRF rejected the terrorist label. According to a report, the outfit claimed its operations were a “legitimate local resistance” movement. TRF accused India of lobbying to pressure US authorities into declaring it a terror organisation.
The group argued that its activities were “lawful” and part of a broader fight against what it called “Indian military aggression.” It portrayed itself as a grassroots entity, not linked to any Pakistan-based terror outfit like Lashkar-e-Taiba.
Despite this denial, multiple Indian and global intelligence reports have tied TRF directly to LeT. Many believe TRF was created as a rebranded proxy to bypass international scrutiny of Lashkar’s terror operations in India.
Ishaq Dar’s Contradictory Stand Draws Attention
Speaking at an event hosted by the Atlantic Council in Washington, Dar said Pakistan had “no objection” to the US’ decision. “It is a sovereign decision of the United States to designate the TRF. We welcome it,” he said. However, Dar contradicted US intelligence by claiming there is “no link” between TRF and Lashkar-e-Taiba.
“We have no problem with the designation. But calling TRF a Lashkar front is not right unless there is evidence,” Dar remarked, while offering no proof to back his claim.
Dar’s recent comments contrast sharply with his April speech in the Pakistani parliament, where he revealed that Islamabad had opposed any mention of TRF in a UN Security Council (UNSC) statement condemning the Pahalgam attack.
“I received calls from multiple global capitals. Still, we succeeded in getting TRF’s name removed from the statement. Pakistan prevailed,” he had said.
Pakistan’s Shift: Diplomatic Pressure or Policy Change?
Observers believe Pakistan’s sudden approval of the US designation could be driven by growing international pressure. After the Pahalgam killings, India submitted detailed dossiers to the UN, linking TRF to LeT and other Pakistan-based actors.
This reversal in stance by Dar could be aimed at improving Pakistan’s diplomatic image, especially with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) monitoring its record on terror financing and action against non-state actors.
Nonetheless, the contradiction in Pakistan’s approach—publicly supporting the designation while denying key intelligence links—raises questions about its sincerity in tackling cross-border terrorism.
Global and Regional Implications
The inclusion of TRF in the US terror list may strengthen India’s position in demanding tougher international action against proxy militant groups operating from Pakistani soil.
Furthermore, TRF’s public rebuttal and Dar’s contradictory comments could complicate Pakistan’s relations with both the US and international watchdogs.
While the US decision is largely symbolic in terms of direct sanctions, it sends a strong message about Washington’s growing alignment with New Delhi on regional security issues.