Former federal minister for communications and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) leader Asad Mahmood, son of Maulana Fazlur Rehman, has been summoned by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) in connection with irregularities in recruitment at the Pakistan Post Office.
Former federal minister for communications and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) leader Asad Mahmood, son of Maulana Fazlur Rehman, has been summoned by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) in connection with irregularities in recruitment at the Pakistan Post Office.
According to the notices described in reports, NAB Rawalpindi has directed Asad Mahmood to appear before its investigation team on November 10, 2026, at 11:00 am, as part of an inquiry into appointments made during his tenure as federal minister for communications in 2022 and 2023.
The investigation reportedly concerns appointments made beyond the officially approved number of vacancies, recruitment against abolished posts, and alleged violations of government recruitment procedures.
314 additional appointments under investigation
According to the documents cited in the allegations, the Establishment Division had authorised the recruitment of 3,938 employees in the Pakistan Post Office.
However, investigators are reportedly examining claims that 4,252 individuals were recruited, exceeding the approved number by 314 appointments.
The NAB notice also reportedly raises questions about recruitment against 2,646 abolished posts.
Investigators are seeking to determine who authorised these appointments, whether the required approvals were obtained, and whether government recruitment regulations were followed.
Questions raised over permanent appointments
The inquiry also reportedly examines why permanent appointments were made despite recommendations to recruit employees on a contractual basis.
Investigators are looking into whether these decisions placed an additional financial burden on the national exchequer.
Other allegations under examination include possible political influence in recruitment, the use of forged documents, appointments of overage candidates, and violations of domicile-based recruitment quotas.
The investigation is also expected to examine the administrative approvals and official orders issued during the recruitment process.
FIA also issues summons to Asad Mahmood
Separately, the FIA’s Anti-Corruption Circle in Islamabad reportedly summoned the former federal minister in connection with the same recruitment controversy.
According to a notice dated October 30, 2026, the FIA directed Asad Mahmood to appear on November 2, 2026, to record his statement under Inquiry No. 197/2026.
The agency is reportedly examining the circumstances surrounding the appointments and the possible involvement of officials responsible for approving and implementing the recruitment process.
Investigators seek answers over recruitment approvals
The central questions in the inquiries concern how 4,252 appointments were allegedly made when approval had been granted for only 3,938 positions.
Investigators are also examining who authorised appointments against abolished posts, which officials issued the recruitment orders, and whether the relevant decisions complied with government rules.
The inquiries are intended to establish the facts surrounding the recruitment process and determine whether any legal or administrative violations occurred.
