The National Accountability Bureau issued a second call-up notice on Tuesday directing former minister Asad Mahmood to appear before investigators on November 13 regarding alleged illegal appointments in the Pakistan Post Office Department.
Pakistan Post Recruitment Inquiry
An earlier notice sent on November 5 stated that the Establishment Division authorized recruitment against 3,938 posts, but 4,252 people were allegedly appointed.
The anti-graft watchdog flagged appointments against 2,646 abolished posts, which allegedly violated cabinet committee directives. NAB maintains that despite recommendations for contractual hiring through a testing agency, a large number of permanent appointments created an additional financial burden on the department. The bureau is examining allegations of recruitment beyond the prescribed age limit, the use of forged documents, violations of the domicile quota, and potential political affiliations among the selected candidates.
Asad Mahmood missed a required appearance on November 10 and instead submitted a written response through his lawyer. NAB officials declared that response unsatisfactory, prompting the issuance of a fresh notice for an in-person appearance at 11am on Friday.
Did You Know? The National Accountability Ordinance of 1999 governs the proceedings, with Section 31 outlining legal consequences for failing to comply with official summons.
Parallel Federal Investigations
The Federal Investigation Agency has also stepped up a separate probe into alleged irregular appointments in Pakistan Post. The agency’s Anti-Corruption Circle previously summoned Asad Mahmood to appear on November 2, according to details reported by the FIA.
These developments follow a period of political scrutiny involving Maulana Fazlur Rehman and his son Asad Mahmood, who faces inquiries regarding alleged irregularities during his tenure as federal minister. Mr. Mahmood served as minister during the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) government, which assumed power in 2022 following the no-confidence vote that removed the administration of Imran Khan.
Legal Warnings and Next Steps
Asad Mahmood is scheduled to appear before the anti-graft watchdog at 11am on November 13.
Legal proceedings continue in various corruption-related cases involving JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman and other party leaders.
Questions regarding Asad Mahmood's summons by NAB
Why was Asad Mahmood summoned by NAB?
NAB summoned the former federal minister over alleged illegal appointments and irregularities at the Pakistan Post Office Department during his 2022 to 2023 tenure.
What specific recruitment violations are under investigation?
Investigators state that 4,252 people were appointed despite an authorized limit of 3,938 posts, including 2,646 appointments made against abolished posts in alleged violation of cabinet directives.
What happens if the former minister fails to appear on November 13?
NAB warned in its notice that failure to appear in person could lead to legal proceedings under Section 31 of the National Accountability Ordinance, 1999.
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