Web Desk: National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has issued a second summons to former federal minister Asad Mahmood, son of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, after he failed to appear before investigators in an inquiry into alleged illegal recruitment at the Pakistan Post Office Department (PPOD).
The anti-corruption watchdog has directed Mahmood to appear in person at its Rawalpindi office on Friday, Nov. 13, 2026, at 11 a.m., after finding his written response to an earlier summons unsatisfactory.
The fresh notice marks another development in the investigation into recruitment practices during Mahmood’s tenure as federal minister for communications and postal services in 2022-23.
According to details of the inquiry, NAB had initially summoned Mahmood to appear before investigators on Nov. 10 to answer questions concerning alleged irregularities in appointments at Pakistan Post.
However, the former minister did not attend the proceedings in person.
Instead, he submitted a written response through his legal counsel.
After examining the submission, NAB officials deemed the explanation unsatisfactory and decided to summon him again for questioning.
Investigators have now instructed Mahmood to appear personally to address questions related to the recruitment process during his ministerial tenure.
NAB Rawalpindi is conducting an inquiry into allegations of unlawful appointments involving officials and employees of the Pakistan Post Office Department and other individuals.
The investigation concerns recruitment decisions allegedly made during the period when Mahmood oversaw the federal ministry responsible for postal services.
Investigators are examining whether appointments complied with applicable recruitment rules, administrative procedures and legal requirements.
Mahmood’s ministerial responsibilities during the period under review have brought him within the scope of the inquiry.
Meanwhile, NAB has warned Mahmood that failure to comply with the latest summons could result in legal proceedings under Section 31 of the National Accountability Ordinance, 1999.
The notice directs him to appear at NAB Rawalpindi on Nov. 13 at 11 a.m. to assist investigators.
The warning signals that the accountability watchdog may consider further legal measures if Mahmood fails to attend without a legally acceptable justification.
Nevertheless, any subsequent action would remain subject to applicable legal requirements and procedures.
The latest summons has brought renewed attention to recruitment practices at Pakistan Post during Mahmood’s time in the federal cabinet.
As the son of JUI-F chief Fazlur Rehman and a former federal minister, Mahmood remains a prominent political figure.
The inquiry could also draw wider scrutiny of administrative decisions made during the previous government’s tenure.
However, NAB has not announced any finding of guilt against Mahmood in the information made available.
Investigators are expected to seek Mahmood’s explanation regarding the alleged recruitment irregularities when he appears before NAB.
His responses could help determine whether investigators require additional documents, further questioning or other investigative measures.
For now, the inquiry remains ongoing, and the next scheduled appearance on Nov. 13 represents a significant procedural step.
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