Pakistan Challenges US Terror Designation of TRF, Advocates for Equitable Counter-Terrorism Measures
Pakistan has firmly responded to the United States' classification of The Resistance Front (TRF) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). Islamabad contends that this designation misrepresents the realities on the ground and overlooks its significant contributions to global counter-terrorism efforts.
In an official statement, Pakistan emphasized its zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism in all its forms, underscoring that international cooperation is fundamental to its counter-terrorism strategy. Pakistan highlighted its role as a "frontline state against terrorism" and cited the capture of Sharifullah, the alleged mastermind behind the 2021 Abbey Gate bombing in Kabul, as evidence of its dedication to global peace and security.
Addressing claims of TRF's connections with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Pakistan argued that LeT is a defunct and banned organization. It insisted that the country has dismantled such groups, prosecuted their leaders, and successfully deradicalized members. Islamabad further stated that investigations into the April 22 Pahalgam attack, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians, remain inconclusive. Pakistan refers to the region as "Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJ&K)," which it considers internationally disputed.
The statement also criticized India for allegedly using international designations for its own political purposes. It claimed, "India has a track record of misusing such measures to propagate anti-Pakistan narratives and divert global attention from its alleged human rights violations in IIOJ&K."
Pakistan called on the global community to adopt a non-discriminatory and objective approach to counter-terrorism. It urged the inclusion of other groups, such as the Majeed Brigade, as aliases of the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), which is involved in recent attacks on Pakistani military personnel.
The statement concluded by emphasizing Pakistan's "unparalleled sacrifices" in the fight against terrorism and its ongoing efforts to foster collective global action against this threat.
