Pakistan rejects India’s claims after US names TRF a terror group; denies Lashkar link

New Delhi (India) July 19: Pakistan resorts to its typical tactic of shifting blame and intensifying the Kashmir dispute on Friday. This happens after the US classifies The Resistance Front (TRF), a shadow organization of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba, as a terrorist organization.

US blames TRF for attack on Indian tourists

Washington issues TRF a terror designation weeks after it took blame for the Pahalgam terrorist attack. The attack resulted in the shooting deaths of 26 people, primarily tourists. 

According to US sources, it was the biggest terrorist attack on Indian citizens since the 2008 Mumbai attacks. This attack was also planned by Lashkar terrorists.

Pakistan denies terror connections

However, Islamabad denies any connection between Lashkar-e-Taiba. They call it a "defunct organization banned in Pakistan." 

The Pakistani statement said, "Pakistan has effectively and comprehensively dismantled concerned outfits, arrested and prosecuted the leadership, and deradicalised its cadres.”

It added, “Pakistan condemns terrorism in all forms and manifestations; zero tolerance, and international cooperation against terrorism are cornerstone of our policy. Pakistan has been, and is a frontline state against terrorism, and has contributed tremendously towards achievement of global peace through its CT efforts including apprehension of Terrorist Sharifullah, the mastermind of Abbey Gate Bombing.”

The declaration also criticises India's fact-based claim that Lashkar was involved in the Pahalgam murders. They claim it was an attempt to "misuse international forums to defame Pakistan."

In the war against terrorism, Pakistan also called on the international community to put in place "objective and non-discriminatory policies." 

This happens at the same time as Islamabad requests action against the Majeed Brigade of the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA). There is growing tensions over Baloch terrorists attacking security sites in Balochistan.

India pushes for global crackdown

According to the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, India classified TRF as a terrorist organization in January 2023. TRF declared its existence on social media in 2019.

It has since claimed responsibility for several attacks in Jammu and Kashmir. The attacks included a grenade explosion in Srinagar in 2021 that killed seven people and caused targeted killings.

In an earlier announcement, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the TRF was classified as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) by the Department of State. India praised the ruling.

The US action is probably going to have an impact at the UN, especially in the Security Council's 1267 Sanctions Committee. It is an important platform for international terror designations. India is going to argue for TRF and the parent organization Lashkar to be further isolated internationally.

Aadrika Tayal