Pakistan Questions U.S. Terror Designation of TRF, Says Pahalgam Attack Probe ‘Inconclusive’

A day after the United States designated The Resistance Front (TRF) — the group behind the deadly Pahalgam terror attack — as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), Pakistan on Friday pushed back against the move, insisting that the investigation into the April 22 attack remained “inconclusive.”

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had announced the designation of TRF, calling it a front for the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Alongside being labeled an FTO, the group was also declared a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT), subjecting it to financial sanctions and restrictions on access to support from individuals and entities under U.S. jurisdiction.

The announcement came nearly three months after TRF claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 civilians — the deadliest such assault since LeT’s 2008 Mumbai attacks.

In a strongly worded response, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said it “condemns terrorism in all forms and manifestations” and emphasized its role as a frontline state in the fight against global terrorism.

“Pakistan has zero tolerance for terrorism, and international cooperation remains a cornerstone of our counterterrorism policy,” the statement read.

Highlighting its counterterrorism efforts, Pakistan pointed to the capture of Sharifullah, alleged mastermind of the Abbey Gate bombing in Kabul, as evidence of its commitment to global security.

On the TRF designation, however, Islamabad expressed reservations, saying the investigation into the Pahalgam attack has not produced conclusive results and that linking TRF to LeT was “against ground realities.”

The Pakistani government reiterated that it rejects any unjustified attempts to associate the country with cross-border militancy and called for a more evidence-based and collaborative international approach.

The U.S. designation of TRF marks a significant move in Washington’s counterterrorism strategy in South Asia, further tightening pressure on groups with suspected ties to Pakistan-based militants. India has long accused Pakistan of harboring and supporting extremist outfits that operate in Jammu and Kashmir — a claim Pakistan denies.