Pak Counterterrorism: US Designates TRF as FTO
The US designation of TRF as a foreign terrorist organisation reflects the complex dynamics of counterterrorism efforts in the region, with Pakistan's government emphasizing its commitment to combating terrorism and the US administration seeking to enforce accountability for terrorist attacks.
The US State Department has designated The Resistance Front (TRF) a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO) and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT), linking it to Pakistan's Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), following the group's claim of responsibility for the April 22 Pahalgam massacre that killed 26 civilians.
The move is seen as a reflection of the US administration's commitment to protecting national security and countering terrorism. Investigations into the Pahalgam attack revealed that it was a joint operation by Pakistan's ISI and LeT, led by a suspected former Pakistani special forces commando. The US action is aimed at enforcing President Trump's call for justice following the attack.
Pakistan's Foreign Office has reaffirmed the country's stance against terrorism, stating that it has effectively dismantled terrorist outfits. The statement comes in response to the US State Department's designation of TRF as a foreign terrorist organisation. Pakistan has condemned the US decision, saying it was based on flawed information and aimed at diverting attention from India's human rights atrocities in occupied Kashmir.
The Pakistani government has highlighted its counterterrorism efforts, including the arrest and prosecution of LeT leadership and the deradicalization of its cadres. Pakistan has also urged the international community to adopt objective and non-discriminatory policies to address terrorism. The country has also requested the listing of Majeed Brigade as an alias of the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA).
The development is significant in the context of Pakistan's efforts to address global concerns on terrorism. The country's success in addressing Financial Action Task Force (FATF) action plans and its removal from the grey list in 2022 are notable achievements in this regard. The US designation of TRF as a foreign terrorist organisation is likely to have implications for Pakistan's counterterrorism efforts and its relations with the international community.