ISLAMABAD(National Times)- The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has summoned former federal minister for communication Asad Mahmood, who is the son of JUI-F president Maulana Fazlur Rehman, for alleged irregularities in 4,252 appointments at Pakistan Post during his 2022-23 term.

The development came after Maulana Fazl’s new tirade against the government and state institutions on issues concerning main opposition Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and terrorism.

According to a NAB notice, the bureau is investigating alleged irregularities in appointments made at Pakistan Post during Mr Mahmood’s tenure as federal minister between 2022 and 2023. The ex-minister is accused of making as many as 4,252 appointments against fewer approved vacancies, with discrepancies in the number of sanctioned posts in Pakistan Post.

The anti-graft watchdog has directed Mr Mahmood to appear before its investigation team on Nov 10 at 11am.

Mr Mahmood had served as federal minister during the last PML-N-led Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) government in 2022-23. The PDM had formed the government after toppling the Imran Khan government, which had served from 2018 to 2022, through a vote of no-confidence.

The notice stated that the Establishment Division had authorised recruitment against 3,938 posts at Pakistan Post. However, 4,252 people were allegedly appointed, exceeding the approved number. The NAB said that 2,646 appointments were made against posts that had already been abolished, in violation of the directions of a cabinet committee.

The bureau said a large number of permanent appointments were made against the recommendation for recruitment on a contractual basis only. The investigation also covered allegations that the appointments placed an additional financial burden on Pakistan Post. The aspect of alleged political affiliations among some selected candidates is also being examined.

Other allegations include the use of fake and forged documents, recruitment of candidates over the prescribed age limit and violations of the domicile quota during the hiring process. The NAB has warned that failure to comply with the summons could result in legal action under Section 31 of the National Accountability Ordinance, 1999.

FIA probe

The notice by NAB has been issued at a time when the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) is also investigating alleged corruption and irregularities in Pakistan Post recruitments.

The FIA’s Anti-Corruption Circle in Islamabad had separately issued a notice summoning Mr Mahmood to record his statement in connection with the case.