Linking LeT with Pahalgam attack belies ground realities: FO

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Friday swiftly and strongly took exception to US Department decision to designate a little known group The Resistance Front which India says is responsible for the terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) in May, and which it accuses of being an offshoot of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Tayabya (LeT), a group Pakistan had banned much earlier.

“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,” said the Foreign Office in a statement.

It pointed out that investigations into Pahalgam incident, which happened in internationally recognised disputed region of IIOJK, are still inconclusive.

“Any linkage with LeT, a defunct organisation banned in Pakistan, belies ground realities. Pakistan has effectively and comprehensively dismantled concerned outfits, arrested and prosecuted the leadership, and deradicalised its cadres,” it added.

The US State Department claimed that the little-known group was a “front and proxy” of the banned LeT.

“TRF has also claimed responsibility for several attacks against Indian security forces, including most recently in 2024,” it said.

The State Department surprisingly under Indian pressure makes no mention of the fact that immediately after first taking responsibility, the TRF backed out of its claim.

Pakistan also made it very clear that the issue under consideration pertains to US domestic laws.

“India has a track record of exploiting such designations to push anti-Pakistan propaganda with a view to divert international attention from its irresponsible and rogue behaviour, including ongoing human rights atrocities, especially in IIOJK,” the Foreign Office pointed out.

Pakistan underlined that it continues to remain counter-terrorism bulwark through unparalleled sacrifices and efficacy.

“We urge international community to adopt objective and non-discriminatory policies to address this global menace through collective efforts which necessitate that terrorist organisations like Majeed Brigade must also be listed as alias of BLA,” it insisted. The US State Department designated the TRF as a foreign terrorist organisation (FTO) and specially designated global terrorist (SDGT) group.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister/ Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar spoke with UAE Minister of State Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh.

The UAE was the first foreign country to reach out to Pakistan after the day long visit of Foreign Minister Dar to Kabul.

“They discussed ways to further strengthen the Pakistan-UAE ties and enhance bilateral economic cooperation,” said the Foreign Office without giving any details.