By Naeem Mehboob
ISLAMABAD: The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) have launched separate inquiries into alleged recruitment irregularities in the Pakistan Post Office Department (PPOD) during the tenure of former Federal Minister for Communications Maulana Asad Mehmood in 2022 and 2023.
According to official notices, NAB has summoned Asad Mehmood on November 10, 2026, while the FIA had directed him to appear on November 2 in connection with alleged irregularities in departmental appointments.
In a call-up notice dated November 2, NAB’s Islamabad/Rawalpindi Regional Bureau stated that it was investigating alleged illegal recruitments under Section 19 of the National Accountability Ordinance, 1999.
The bureau identified four major allegations. It stated that although the Establishment Division had authorised recruitment against 3,938 posts, appointments were allegedly made against 4,252 posts. It further alleged that recruitment against 2,646 established posts violated Cabinet instructions.
NAB also alleged that despite the Director General Pakistan Post recommending contract-based recruitment through a testing agency, numerous appointments were made on a regular basis, creating an additional financial burden. The notice further raised concerns about alleged political affiliations of selected candidates, forged documents, overage applicants and domicile quota violations.
Asad Mehmood has been directed to appear before NAB’s Combined Investigation Team at its Civic Centre, G-6, Islamabad, on November 10 at 11:00 am to record his statement.
Separately, the FIA Anti-Corruption Circle, Islamabad, issued a notice on October 30 in Inquiry No. 197/2026 under Section 160 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, directing him to appear on November 2 at 11:00 am with relevant documents and evidence.
The FIA described the matter as involving alleged serious irregularities and malpractice in PPOD recruitment.
Both inquiries remain under investigation, and the allegations have not been established as proven wrongdoing.
