Former ousted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his sons did not show up at National Accountability Bureau. The Sharifs have refused to be present at any proceedings till a verdict is passed on the review petitions submitted earlier by the family. In anticipation of the Sharif family’s appearance at NAB, all regular proceedings had been suspended, but none of the summoned Sharifs appeared before the bureau. Following the dramatic and unprecedented verdict of the Supreme Court, all eyes are on the NAB proceedings that will have profound impact on the fate of Sharif family and by extension their party. A PML-N leader, Asif Kirmani, told the media that Nawaz Sharif and his sons Hasan and Hussain had not received any notice to appear before the accountability bureau. All such shenanigans seem to be political tactics to send a message that Sharifs are all out for a fight. Former PM Sharif has decided to take on the institutions of the state, especially the judiciary and the military establishment. Whether he succeeds in winning this battle remains to be seen. History shows us a clear pattern — the ‘elected’ pitted against the ‘unelected’ are not likely to win unless they have all the political forces with them. At present, the two major parties PTI and PPP are evidently not interested in Nawaz Sharif’s drive for civilian supremacy, which cynics also term as a ploy to return to power. Given the perilous situation for his family and the party, Nawaz Sharif must not appear to be escaping the accountability process. It is imperative that PML-N must show deference to rule of law. Nawaz Sharif has already said that he does not expect a fair verdict from the trial court. He should remember that any decision by NAB court is subject to review by higher courts. But a greater burden rests on the shoulders of the Supreme Court that has appointed an SC judge to oversee the legal proceedings of a trial court, which, as pointed by a number of legal experts, technically does not fall under its jurisdiction. Whether this was judicial populism, overreach or a rather broad interpretation of SC powers, the highest court of the land must ensure a fair trial, which is the constitutional right of the Sharifs. Nawaz Sharif is already out and it is now the court’s credibility at stake, which it must guard, given the accusations leveled in the recent weeks. The next few months will be a test for Pakistan’s political forces as well as the permanent establishment. The opposition parties must remain cautious in the days ahead for constitutional governance is beyond the person of Nawaz Sharif and his party. Strengthening constitutionalism is in their long-term interest, too. Needless to say, conflict and political instability does not suit any institution. A minor blunder by any stakeholder in such a fragile scenario could lead to another systemic breakdown. * Published in Daily Times, August 20th , 2017.