“Russia resolutely condemns the perpetrators of the terrorist attack in the capital of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on December 23, for which the Pakistani Taliban has claimed responsibility,” Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in a statement.

One policeman was killed and 10 others were wounded when a suicide bomber blew up himself and a vehicle in the I-10/4 area of the capital city. The banned outfit, which called off a stop-start ceasefire with the government in November, said it was revenge for the killing of one of their leaders.

The Chief Commissioner’s Office has constituted a joint investigation team (JIT) to investigate the incident in response to the request made by the capital police. The team comprises counter-terrorism department SSP, who would lead it, representatives from the Inter-Services Intelligence representative and Intelligence Bureau, and any other nominated by the police chief. Moreover, a station house officer of the CTD would assist the team in investigating the case.

“We have noted increased terrorist activity in a number of Pakistani provinces, which targeted security and law enforcement forces and civilians,” the Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman said.

Many people in tribal areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have taken to the streets for a peace march against the backdrop of terrorist attacks in the past two months. They have demanded the government provide security and ensure the safety of the people.

Russia expressed solidarity with Pakistan in the face of this global threat. “We reaffirm our determination to strengthen constructive cooperation with Pakistan on counter-terrorism in multilateral formats, above all at the UN and the SCO, and on a bilateral basis.”