WHETHER true or false, a political leader ensnared in a corruption investigation is always likely to cry foul and blame political opponents.

Therefore, if the probe is to be effective and the cause of accountability furthered, it is necessary for the investigating body to be scrupulously fair, adhere closely to due process and act in a manner that is beyond reproach.

The NAB leadership does not appear to understand either its mandate or the political aspects of its job. And because of NAB’s failures, it is the democratic process and the public interest that could be further undermined.

Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Shahbaz Sharif has reportedly become the first opposition leader to be brought to parliament from incarceration on the orders of the National Assembly speaker. It is to the credit of Asad Qaiser, the speaker who is a member of the PTI, that Mr Sharif was brought to the Assembly by NAB and allowed to address parliament as per the rules of the house.

But the unfortunate spectacle and Mr Sharif’s speech have furthered muddied the political waters, and if the response to Mr Sharif’s allegations is not managed well by the PTI government, a fresh round of political instability could be triggered.

NAB needs to urgently reconsider its approach in the investigation of not just Mr Sharif but also of a range of public officials who are in the accountability body’s crosshairs.

To be sure, Mr Sharif cannot and should not expect any special treatment under the law. He must submit to the NAB process as required, as must all public officials and political leaders.

Yet, two problems are apparent in the detention of Mr Sharif. First, the opposition leader was cooperating with the anti-graft body as required by the law, so why was he physically detained at this stage?

Second, where is the preliminary evidence collected by NAB that justified not just an investigation of Mr Sharif but his detention too? If NAB claims that it cannot take into account the political status of an individual under investigation — which it clearly must not — that does not absolve it from its duty to investigate in a fair and transparent manner.

Surely, if NAB is free to arrest a suspect when it decides to, that decision must be rooted in a reasonably strong case that has already been assembled and presented to the public.

Finally, Mr Sharif’s allegation of collusion between NAB and the PTI government are unfortunate. Prima facie, it suggests a willingness to politicise an accountability inquiry rather than acquit oneself through the legal process.

It is to be hoped that NAB itself will recognise its flawed approach and change course quickly. A slanging match between the opposition leader and the federal government could quickly escalate.

Published in Dawn, October 18th, 2018