Sadly, the death of a nine-month-old girl on Tuesday inaugurated the unwelcome yet customary sectarian violence in this new Islamic year. The word Muharram in this part of the world symbolises bloodshed and sectarian militancy rather than remembrance of the actual tragedy it is meant to commemorate. An Imambargah in the Federal B Area of Karachi came under attack when miscreants threw hand grenades outside the building while a religious congregation of women was going on. As a result eight people, mostly women, were injured along with the death of one girl child, whereas the assailants as usual fled the scene. Though no group has claimed responsibility yet, the message is clear that there is little scope for being confident about all the ‘special’ security arrangements and deployments by the law enforcement agencies. The dreaded threat is here. However, it would be unjust to blame the security agencies too much for this or any other similar incident as they cannot guard each and every sensitive place all the time. Even the presence of security contingents at the site cannot ensure full safety. It goes without saying that the only solution is to pre-empt such attacks. The intelligence apparatus around the country should work in coordination with the law enforcement agencies. Only then would they be able to ensure an environment of peace, especially during these volatile first ten days of Muharram. The arrest of four suspected terrorists in Lahore the other day, who were apparently planning attacks during Muharram, attests to this argument. Such success stories at least weaken the terrorists’ conviction that they have been given a carte blanche by the government. Reactive measures do not deter the militants; if anything, they strengthen their self-assurance. As the country is in the run up to the 9th and 10th Muharram when major processions are carried out across the country, there is definitely a need for vigilance. The country is in a protracted war against the militants who work under so many hues and colours that military operations alone probably will be insufficient to overcome them completely. Karachi in particular is home to disparate militant organisations. Therefore it also remains a potpourri of sectarian militancy and it is easy for such groups to assail such large gatherings to create panic and fear among the people. So, while the government implements all the possible security measures for the upcoming days, it is the public too that should remain alert about its surroundings and any suspicious persons. *