The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has summoned Asad Mahmood, son of Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, in an investigation into alleged irregularities in recruitment at Pakistan Post. Mahmood did not appear before the NAB investigation team despite being called to respond to the allegations.
Mahmood had been directed to appear at 11am on November 10. The investigation concerns thousands of appointments reportedly made during his tenure as federal minister for communications in 2022-23.
According to the allegations under investigation, 4,252 people were recruited against an approved strength of 3,938 positions. The probe is examining claims that 2,646 individuals were appointed to posts that had already been abolished, allegedly in violation of directives issued by a cabinet committee.
NAB is also investigating whether permanent appointments were made despite recommendations that employees should be hired on a contractual basis. Investigators are examining claims that the recruitment decisions increased the financial burden on Pakistan Post.
The inquiry also covers alleged political affiliations of some selected candidates, suspected forged documents, appointments of over-age applicants and possible violations of the prescribed domicile quota. These matters remain allegations being examined by the bureau.
A senior NAB official declined to comment on the bureau’s next course of action, citing legal restrictions on disclosing investigation details before a court reaches a decision.
NAB has not yet announced what action it may take following Mahmood’s failure to appear. The investigation remains focused on the recruitment process and the allegations surrounding appointments made during the 2022-23 period.
