The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) have summoned former federal minister Maulana Asad Mehmood over alleged illegal recruitments in the Pakistan Post Office.
Maulana Asad Mehmood is the son of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman. Both agencies are investigating alleged irregularities in recruitment procedures at the department.
NAB Rawalpindi issued a notice directing Mehmood to appear before its investigation team at 11:00 AM on November 10. The agency wants him to respond to questions regarding the alleged recruitment violations.
According to documents available with 24News, the investigation concerns appointments made beyond the approved recruitment limit. The matter has raised questions about administrative decisions and financial responsibilities.
NAB Raises Questions Over Excessive Recruitment
The investigation focuses on the appointment of more employees than initially permitted. The Establishment Division had reportedly approved recruitment for 3,938 positions in the Pakistan Post Office.
However, a total of 4,252 appointments were allegedly made. This resulted in 314 additional recruitments beyond the approved limit.
The NAB notice also highlighted appointments against 2,646 vacancies. These recruitments were reportedly made in violation of Cabinet Committee directives.
Investigators are examining how these appointments were approved despite the existing restrictions. They are also reviewing the decisions taken by the department’s officials.
According to the notice, authorities had recommended hiring employees on a contractual basis. However, a significant number of individuals were allegedly appointed permanently.
This decision reportedly increased the financial burden on the Pakistan Post Office. Permanent appointments can create additional long-term expenses for government departments.
NAB is seeking clarification about the decisions and alleged violations. The investigation aims to establish responsibility for the recruitment process.
NAB Warns of Legal Action Over Failure to Appear
The accountability bureau has instructed Maulana Asad Mehmood to appear before its investigation team on November 10.
The notice also warns of possible legal consequences if he fails to comply. NAB stated that action could be taken under Section 31 of the National Accountability Ordinance, 1999.
The summon is part of the ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities. It does not establish guilt or confirm any wrongdoing by Mehmood.
The agency is expected to examine his position regarding the recruitment decisions. Further proceedings will depend on the investigation’s findings.
FIA Also Summons Maulana Asad Mehmood
Meanwhile, the Federal Investigation Agency has also issued a separate summon to Maulana Asad Mehmood.
The FIA’s Anti-Corruption Circle in Islamabad is investigating the same alleged recruitment case. Its notice was reportedly issued on October 30.
The agency directed Mehmood to appear before its investigation team on November 2. The notice sought his cooperation in the ongoing inquiry.
The involvement of both NAB and FIA highlights the seriousness of the allegations. However, the agencies will need to establish the facts through their respective investigations.
The case concerns recruitment approvals, alleged violations of government instructions and additional financial liabilities. Further developments are expected as the investigation continues.
Both agencies are examining the circumstances surrounding the appointments. Their findings will determine the next steps in the case.
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