THE National Accountability Bureau is no stranger to controversy. Even so, the tug-of-war between the government and the opposition over the appointment of a chairman is somewhat remarkable. For over four months now, the post has been lying vacant. On Wednesday, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and the leader of the opposition in the National Assembly, Khursheed Shah, met for the fourth time but were unable to agree upon either of the two former judges who had earlier been proposed for the post. In lieu of a decision, two new names — former bureaucrats Chaudhry Abdul Rauf and Shaukat Durrani — were suggested. Yet another meeting is expected to be held today.

True, selection of the accountability bureau’s next chairman is tricky business. But the lack of progress on this issue takes on greater significance when seen in the wider context of the government’s performance on several fronts. Well into its tenure — past the first 100 days in office that are the benchmark, artificial and yet symbolic, of identifying early trends in governance — several powerful, indeed crucial, top positions are lying vacant. Ministerial posts in departments that are key to stability in the country, including positions in foreign affairs and law, have yet to be filled. We do not have a minister in charge of defence. Also, at a time when Pakistan desperately needs to boost its economic diplomacy and strengthen trade efforts, there is no one to lead the commerce ministry. And even as the prime minister was in New York attending the UN General Assembly session, the country was reminded that the important post of ambassador to the US is still vacant — we wonder if it will be filled before Mr Sharif’s upcoming visit to the US. Various representatives of the new government have said from time to time that the enormity of the challenges warrants careful reflection at the time of decision-making. Certainly, this is the case. But the government also needs to avoid looking like a rabbit caught in the headlights.