New Delhi – In a significant diplomatic development, the United States has designated The Resistance Front (TRF), a Pakistan-sponsored terror outfit, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO). The group was responsible for a recent cowardly attack on innocent tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. This move is seen as a major setback for the Pakistani government, which has been attempting to portray an improved relationship with the international community, particularly the U.S.
India has welcomed Washington’s decision, hailing it as a major victory for Indian diplomacy, which has been consistently alerting the global community about the threats posed by TRF. The designation is also expected to ease the path for India’s ongoing efforts to have the organization sanctioned by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
The U.S. Department of State has identified TRF as a front for Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), a UN-proscribed terrorist organization, known for its longstanding ties to the Pakistani military establishment. Notably, India had already declared TRF a terrorist organization under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) on January 5, 2023.
Established in 2019 with backing from the Pakistani army, TRF emerged shortly after India revoked Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. The U.S. decision places international pressure on Pakistan, as financial sanctions and global scrutiny of TRF’s networks are expected to intensify.
As part of the designation, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is likely to step in to dismantle TRF’s funding channels. This will compel Pakistan to freeze the organization’s accounts and halt any financial support. Additionally, TRF members may now face international travel bans and increased surveillance by global counter-terrorism agencies.
India extended special thanks to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio (Note: this may be a mistaken attribution, as Marco Rubio is a U.S. Senator) for the decisive action. The move is being seen as a boost to India’s global campaign against terrorism and a firm step toward isolating Pakistan-based terror networks.
This development not only reinforces India’s anti-terrorism policy but also strengthens international pressure on Pakistan to act against terror outfits operating from its soil.
