NAB, FIA summon Fazlur Rehman’s son over illegal hiring

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) have summoned Asad Mahmood, son of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, in connection with an investigation into alleged irregularities and illegal appointments at the Pakistan Post Office.

NAB’s Rawalpindi office has issued a notice directing Asad Mahmood, a former federal minister for communications, to appear before investigators on November 10 at 11am.

According to the notice, the bureau is investigating alleged irregularities in recruitment at the Pakistan Post Office during Mahmood’s tenure as communications minister from 2022 to 2023.

The investigation has revealed that the Establishment Division had authorised the recruitment of 3,938 employees against vacant posts in the Pakistan Post Office. However, 4,252 people were allegedly appointed, exceeding the approved number by 314.

The notice further alleges that 2,646 appointments were made against abolished posts in violation of the directions issued by the Cabinet Committee.

NAB has also raised questions over the nature of the recruitment process. It said that although appointments on a contract basis through a testing agency had been recommended, permanent appointments were allegedly made instead.

The allegations also include the use of fake and forged documents, recruitment of overage candidates and violations of the prescribed domicile quota.

Separately, the FIA’s Anti-Corruption Circle in Islamabad has also issued a summons to Asad Mahmood in connection with the same recruitment controversy.

The FIA had directed him to appear on November 2 at 11am to record his statement regarding the alleged irregularities.

The agency is investigating suspected corruption and serious violations in appointments made at the Pakistan Post Office.

Both investigations focus on alleged misuse of authority and violations of recruitment procedures during Mahmood’s tenure as communications minister. The allegations are subject to investigation, and the issuance of summons does not establish guilt.