Pakistan, May 1 -- In a much-albeit delayed development, the National Accountability Bureau has decided to withdraw the reference against former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi. Six years after the accountability watchdog had alleged a blatant misuse of public office that had caused loss to the tune of Rs 21 billion to the national exchequer, the validity of the reference has been very conveniently deemed questionable by the same authorities in a sparking outrage among the public. Widely perceived to be a mockery of the accountability system, the long-drawn-out ordeal raises serious questions about the integrity of our institutions and the motives behind such politically motivated actions.

It appears that the facts had been twisted i...