Islamabad, Dec 28 (NationPress) The ascent and decline of former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief, Lt General Faiz Hameed (retd), highlight the inherent structural tensions within Pakistan’s civil-military framework. His downfall exemplifies a political recalibration following the removal of Prime Minister Imran Khan, where personal loyalties, institutional boundaries, and the military’s need to reaffirm its authority were critical, according to a report.

Hameed’s conviction and 14-year sentence cannot be interpreted solely through the lens of legal accountability, as Pakistan's political narrative has been consistently marked by an enduring imbalance between civilian governance and military dominance, noted Syed Eesar Mehdi, a Research Fellow at the International Centre for Peace Studies, in a report.

Despite the ebb and flow of elected governments, the military has remained the most stable and influential entity in the nation, wielding significant sway over political developments both directly and indirectly.

The report from the International Centre for Peace Studies stated: "In this context, the sentencing of Lieutenant General (retd.) Faiz Hameed represents a remarkable break from historical norms. Generally, generals who lose favor retreat into quiet obscurity, safeguarded by institutional traditions of discretion and mutual silence."

"Public prosecution and imprisonment, particularly on such a scale, are uncommon. Therefore, Faiz Hameed’s situation raises broader inquiries regarding the evolving dynamics of civil-military relations, the limitations of political engagement for military officials, and the methods through which the establishment enforces conformity following periods of internal turmoil," it elaborated.

During the late 2010s, Hameed rose to prominence as a key figure within Pakistan’s security establishment. His rise coincided with Imran Khan's ascension, with proponents labeling it as a convergence of reformist aspirations between a military officer and a civilian leader, while detractors viewed it as a manifestation of political manipulation and undue military influence in democratic processes.

Following Imran Khan's dismissal from power, Pakistan plunged into a phase of intense political unrest. The protests on May 9, 2023, triggered by Imran Khan's arrest, included assaults on military establishments. Hameed’s perceived alignment with Imran Khan’s movement placed him within the narrative of betrayal that emerged post-May 9 protests. The sentence imposed on Hameed reinforces the principle that allegiance to individuals must never overshadow loyalty to the institution and the military’s endeavor to reshape its narrative.

In his report, Mehdi stated: "The rise and fall of Faiz Hameed encapsulate the structural tensions at the core of Pakistan’s civil-military order. His ascent was facilitated by personal trust, political alignment, and the informal power derived from proximity to civilian leadership. His decline was triggered by the same factors once political alignments shifted and institutional anxieties heightened. This case highlights a persistent dilemma within Pakistan’s political system."

"Civilian leaders frequently seek military allies to govern effectively, while the military aims to exert influence without bearing responsibility for political outcomes. When these goals diverge, individuals caught in the crossfire become expendable. Ultimately, Faiz Hameed’s narrative is less an anomaly than a reflection of systemic trends. It illustrates how loyalty can be redefined as a transgression, how accountability can serve political purposes, and how institutional survival consistently takes precedence over individual careers," he concluded.