The Pakistani security agencies must be commended for foiling what could have been a series of devastating suicide bombings planned for August 14, when the nation was celebrating its Independence Day. Too often, we are forced to react after tragedy strikes rather than prevent it. Every instance where the agencies succeed in intercepting perpetrators before they act deserves recognition, and those involved must be appreciated. Yet this is only part of a much larger, more troubling picture.

What is deeply disturbing is that the mastermind behind this plot—a man who facilitated, organised, and coordinated the entire operation—was not some........

© The Nation (Editorials)