Even those at the top need a refresher course, from time to time, on how to do their job. In reality, of course, when marks are overstepped a process of self-correction ought to kick in. Suffice to say this does not always happen. Which is why moves by the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) to remind the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) of its mandate are to be welcomed. Justice Saqib Nisar gave the anti-graft watchdog a much-needed rap on the wrist for repeatedly leaking to the media the identities of those who face the long arm of accountability. Not least because individuals subsequently cleared of wrongdoing are then confronted with the uphill task of repairing damaged reputations. The bottom line being that all NAB proceedings should not be flaunted in the public realm until a conviction is awarded. The CJP is right. Indeed, the case of Mian Muhammad Mansha serves as both the latest example of such indiscretion as well as a timely and cautionary tale. For it has been reported far and wide in the media, including in this newspaper, that NAB is presently probing him over allegations that he illegally transferred funds from here to Britain; in a case dating back some eight years and involving the multi-million-dollar purchase of the St James Hotel in London. Back in 2015, a local television channel got its fingers badly burned for reporting the same. That it did so without any substantiating evidence led the British courts to find it guilty of libel. The broadcaster was forced to cough up damages to the cool tune of GBP 275,000. Naturally, the media does its job best when it seeks confirmation of such developments through official channels. Problems arise, however, when the latter chirps when it should not. Thus the fourth estate must come together to devise a code of conduct for such eventualities. But so, too, must the country’s politicians. For it has become common practice for the latter to declare at press conferences and in interviews that their particular party will approach the NAB chairman, say, to initiate proceedings against this or that rival. Thereby immediately placing the matter in the public sphere. And once it is there, it falls to reporters covering particular beats to duly follow up. Surely the greater national interest would be better served if all concerned parties approached the relevant authorities quietly and privately. It is undoubtedly regrettable to have to point out that the hard work of trying to deliver good governance does not begin and end with the rolling of cameras. If those at the top are truly committed to a Pakistan that respects the rule of law – the time has come for them to lead by example. What, after all, are they waiting for? * Published in Daily Times, August 22nd 2018.