Islamabad/New Delhi: In a move that has sparked global criticism, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has openly defended The Resistance Front (TRF) — just days after the United States officially designated the group as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO).
TRF, a proxy of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), had claimed responsibility for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir that left 26 civilians dead — the deadliest attack on Indian soil since the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
Pakistani ISPR and ISI M Wing coolies state the US designation of TRF isnt linked to Pakistan.
Ishaq Dar quite literally defended TRF in Pak National Assembly:
Islamabad ( currently in the UNSC) ensured the UNSC condemnation on Pahalgam did not mention TRF.
Ishaq Dar… pic.twitter.com/ECgvQp3err
— . (@DDRNewDelhi) July 18, 2025
Despite mounting international pressure, Dar defiantly stated, “We don’t consider TRF illegal. Show us proof they carried out the Pahalgam attack.” He also admitted that Pakistan opposed TRF’s mention in the UN Security Council’s statement, saying, “I got calls from global capitals, but Pakistan will not accept this designation.”
His remarks come in stark contrast to the U.S. position. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, while announcing the designation, called TRF a direct LeT proxy and cited its growing role in orchestrating attacks in Kashmir. “This designation underscores the administration’s resolve to protect American and Indian interests, and seek justice for the victims of terrorism,” Rubio stated.
TRF, formed in recent years as a rebranded outfit of LeT to dodge scrutiny, has increasingly claimed responsibility for targeted killings and attacks on security personnel in Jammu and Kashmir, especially since 2024.
U.S. officials also emphasized that the TRF’s addition to the LeT FTO and SDGT list aligns with broader counter-terrorism efforts under Executive Order 13224 and Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
While the world unites in condemning terrorism, Pakistan’s apparent endorsement of the TRF has drawn sharp responses from India and its allies, potentially setting the stage for heightened diplomatic tensions.
