Web Desk: Former federal communications minister Asad Mahmood, son of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, has reportedly been summoned by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) as authorities investigate alleged irregularities in thousands of appointments at Pakistan Post during his tenure.
According to purported official notices, NAB Rawalpindi has directed Mahmood to appear before its investigation team on November 10, 2026, at 11 a.m. The inquiry focuses on recruitment decisions made in 2022 and 2023, when he headed the federal communications ministry.
Meanwhile, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has reportedly launched a separate inquiry into the appointments, raising further questions about compliance with government recruitment regulations.
According to the documents, the Establishment Division approved recruitment against 3,938 vacant positions at Pakistan Post. However, authorities are examining allegations that the department appointed 4,252 individuals, exceeding the sanctioned number by 314.
Investigators are seeking to establish who authorised the additional appointments and whether the recruitment process complied with applicable government rules.
The reported discrepancies have also prompted questions about the approval procedures followed during the recruitment drive.
Beyond the alleged excess appointments, the NAB notice reportedly identifies another major concern involving recruitment against 2,646 positions that had previously been abolished.
Investigators are examining whether officials proceeded with appointments despite the elimination of those posts and whether the decisions violated government directives.
Furthermore, the inquiry covers allegations that authorities made permanent appointments despite recommendations to recruit employees on a contractual basis.
Officials are also reportedly reviewing recruitment documentation, the eligibility of overage candidates, compliance with domicile-based quotas and allegations of political interference in the selection process.
In a parallel development, the FIA’s Anti-Corruption Circle in Islamabad has reportedly initiated its own investigation into the Pakistan Post recruitment controversy.
Under Inquiry No. 197/2026, the agency reportedly issued a notice on October 30, directing Mahmood to appear before investigators on November 2 to record his statement.
The FIA inquiry adds another layer of scrutiny to the recruitment process, although the extent of coordination between the two investigating agencies remains unclear.
The investigations could also examine whether the disputed appointments imposed additional financial liabilities on the national exchequer.
Investigators are expected to scrutinize the authorisation of appointments beyond approved vacancies, the reported recruitment against abolished positions and the officials responsible for implementing the decisions.
Additionally, allegations of political influence have raised questions about whether established merit-based recruitment procedures were followed.
However, the reported irregularities remain allegations, and the issuance of an investigation notice does not establish criminal wrongdoing.
With NAB’s scheduled appearance approaching, attention is turning to Mahmood’s response and the evidence gathered by the investigating agencies.
The outcome of the inquiries could determine whether authorities pursue further proceedings against individuals found responsible for any violations.
For now, the controversy has placed recruitment decisions made during Mahmood’s tenure under renewed scrutiny, with investigators examining thousands of appointments and the possible financial consequences for the government.
The allegations have not been independently verified, and Mahmood’s response to the reported notices was not available in the information provided.
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