NAB summons Asad Mahmood in ‘illegal appointments’ case
The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has summoned former federal minister for communications Asad Mahmood, son of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, in connection with alleged irregularities in recruitment at Pakistan Post.
NAB’s Rawalpindi office has directed Asad Mahmood to appear before its investigation team on November 10 at 11am.
According to a notice issued by te NAB, the bureau is investigating alleged irregularities in appointments made at Pakistan Post during Asad Mahmood’s tenure as communications minister between 2022 and 2023.
The notice states that the Establishment Division had authorised recruitment against 3,938 posts at Pakistan Post. However, 4,252 people were allegedly appointed, exceeding the approved number.
The NAB said that 2,646 appointments were made against posts that had already been abolished, in violation of the directions of a cabinet committee.
The bureau further stated that while recruitment on a contractual basis had been recommended, a large number of permanent appointments were made instead.
The investigation also covers allegations that the appointments placed an additional financial burden on Pakistan Post.
Claims of political affiliations among some selected candidates are also being examined, sources said.
Other allegations include the use of fake and forged documents, recruitment of candidates over the prescribed age limit and violations of the domicile quota during the hiring process.
The NAB has warned that failure to comply with the summons could result in legal action under Section 31 of the National Accountability Ordinance, 1999.
Meanwhile, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) is also investigating alleged corruption and irregularities in recruitment at Pakistan Post.
The FIA’s Anti-Corruption Circle in Islamabad had separately issued a notice summoning Mahmood to record his statement in connection with the case.
Both agencies are examining allegations of appointments beyond the approved number of vacancies and other suspected violations of recruitment rules.