Pakistan: Ex-ISI Chief Faiz Hameed Charged with Political Interference and Instigating Turmoil
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Rawalpindi, Dec 10 (NationPress) In a significant turn of events, the former head of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Lieutenant General (Retd.) Faiz Hameed, has been officially charged for involvement in political activities, initiating proceedings for his Field General Court Martial (FGCM).
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the communication branch of Pakistan's military, declared on Tuesday that Hameed has been formally charged with engaging in political activities. This indicates that the retired General will soon undergo a serious investigation regarding his conduct as DGISI.
The inquiry will also scrutinize his participation and covert support for former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his administration, particularly concerning the violent incidents that occurred on May 9, 2023, when supporters of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party launched attacks on military establishments.
"On August 12, 2024, the FGCM process against Lt. General Faiz Hameed (Retd) commenced under the provisions of the Pakistan Army Act. Initially, Lt General Faiz Hameed (Retd) has been formally charged with engaging in political activities, breaching the Official Secrets Act, misusing authority and state resources, and causing wrongful loss to individuals," stated an ISPR announcement.
"As part of this process, Lt. Gen Faiz Hameed's involvement in instigating unrest, leading to various incidents including the events of May 9, 2023, is under separate investigation. His actions appear to have been in collusion with certain political interests. Lt. Gen Faiz Hameed (Retd) is being granted all legal rights as mandated by law," the ISPR further elaborated.
This latest development follows nearly four months after the Pakistan Army disclosed that its former intelligence chief was arrested to commence FGCM proceedings based on allegations of Army Act violations.
Hameed was detained in Rawalpindi and called to meet with high-ranking military officials. He is accused of misusing his position as DGISI against the owner of a private housing society.
Subsequently, reports emerged indicating that the former DGISI is also being scrutinized for his role in the May 9 riots, during which PTI supporters attacked military installations nationwide, damaging military properties and desecrating monuments honoring heroes of the Pakistan Army and Pakistan Air Force (PAF) in reaction to the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan.
Hameed's arrest signifies that military leadership in Pakistan, particularly intelligence heads, are now viewed as accountable and not above the law.
The charges against Hameed further complicate matters for Imran Khan, as various cases from the May 9 events may now be pursued in military courts under the Pakistan Army’s Official Secrets Act. The PTI has been actively protesting and taking legal measures, urging the judiciary to prevent the government and military establishment from transferring Khan’s cases to military courts.
It is widely recognized that during Imran Khan's administration, Hameed wielded considerable influence in various sectors, working his way up to potentially becoming the next army chief of the nation.
