ISLAMABAD: Severe financial discrepancies and inconsistencies have surfaced regarding the asset declarations, foreign travels, and multi-billion-rupee development contracts linked to Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-F (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman and his son, former Federal Minister for Communications Maulana Asad Mahmood.
According to documents and regulatory records, a stark contrast exists between the official tax declarations—which list nominal cash reserves and meager monthly household expenses—and extensive expenditures abroad alongside massive development contracts awarded during the previous tenure.
JUI-F Leadership’s Financial Discrepancies Exposed: FBR and ECP Declarations Reveal Minimal Cash and Expenses
As per records submitted to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for the 2024 general elections, Maulana Fazlur Rehman declared a total cash-in-hand of just Rs. 1,522.
Furthermore, official filings show that the family’s total monthly household expenses over a four-year period ranged between Rs. 51,000 and Rs. 64,000. Analysts and reports have highlighted the glaring contradiction between these ultra-conservative official disclosures and the substantial financial footprints associated with other family members.
Multiple Passports and Blank Travel Expense Columns
The documents further scrutinize the travel and financial disclosures of former Communications Minister Maulana Asad Mahmood. Election papers indicate the registration of four separate passports bearing serial numbers JP0158105, JP0158106, JP0158107, and JP0158108.
Despite the formal listing of multiple passports, the respective columns dedicated to declaring foreign travel expenditures on nomination forms were reportedly left completely blank, providing no official breakdown of personal or official travel costs.
Multi-Billion Communications Contracts and Allegations
A significant focus of the leaked documentation centers on development projects awarded under the Ministry of Communications during the tenure of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) government:
Documents reportedly indicate that construction firm Sultan Mahmood & Co. was awarded development and construction contracts worth a total of Rs. 29.97 billion during Maulana Asad Mahmood’s tenure as federal minister. Separately, reports citing documents circulating on social media allege that the contractor company provided written confirmation of paying Rs. 8 billion as a so-called “goodwill commission.”
Additionally, records reportedly allege that a contractor named Amanullah received an unauthorized additional payment of Rs. 750 million beyond the agreed contract value for the construction of the Indus Highway (N-55). These allegations raise questions about contract awards, financial transactions and possible irregularities in public development projects.
Luxury European Hotel Expenditures
The financial dossier also raises questions regarding international travel by close relatives. It is alleged that Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s brothers, Zia-ur-Rehman and Ubaid-ur-Rehman, spent a combined Rs. 12 million (Rs. 1.2 crore) on luxury hotel accommodations during their stays in London, United Kingdom, and Barcelona, Spain.
The widespread contrast between declared local austerity and lavish international outlays has sparked intense public debate and political scrutiny, with various political figures calling for transparent accountability.
