The National Accountability Bureau has summoned former federal communications minister Asad Mahmood over alleged irregularities in thousands of appointments made at Pakistan Post during his tenure, tightening the accountability net around the son of JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman.
According to official notices, NAB Rawalpindi has directed Mahmood to appear before its investigation team on 10 November 2026 at 11 a.m. The inquiry centres on recruitment decisions taken in 2022 and 2023, when he headed the federal communications ministry.
What the NAB Notice Says
The NAB notice focuses on the gap between the number of vacancies the Establishment Division approved and the number of people actually appointed at Pakistan Post. The Establishment Division had approved recruitment against 3,938 vacant positions from Grade 1 to Grade 15, but the department went on to appoint 4,252 individuals — 314 more than the sanctioned number.
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: 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.
Thousands of Extra Appointments Under the Lens
The inquiry also covers allegations that authorities made permanent appointments despite recommendations to recruit employees on a contractual basis, a move that could impose long-term financial liabilities on the national exchequer.
Officials are reportedly reviewing recruitment documentation, the eligibility of overage candidates, compliance with domicile-based quotas, and allegations of political interference in the selection process. The allegations remain allegations at this stage — the issuance of an investigation notice does not establish criminal wrongdoing.
The appointments controversy comes against the backdrop of an audit report on the financial year 2022-23, which identified financial irregularities amounting to Rs222.68 billion in the Ministry of Communications and the Pakistan Post Office Department during Mahmood’s tenure. The audit findings related to recruitment, procurement, alleged fraud, private-sector contracts and unauthorised bank transactions were recorded.
FIA’s Parallel Inquiry
Meanwhile, the Federal Investigation Agency’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 30 October, directing Mahmood to appear before investigators on 2 November 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. Sources allege that investigators are examining possible financial irregularities and business dealings involving individuals associated with senior JUI-F leadership, though no specific criminal offence has been established.
What Happens Next
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. Mahmood’s response to the reported notices was not available, and the allegations have not been independently verified.
Attribution: This report is based on official notices and reports published on 4 November 2026.
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