In a significant and unprecedented development, Pakistan’s former intelligence chief, Lieutenant General (Retd) Faiz Hameed, has been taken into military custody, with court martial proceedings initiated against him. This marks the first time in Pakistan’s history that a former head of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) is facing such charges. ISI Chief Faiz Hameed
The case against Hameed revolves around allegations of misuse of authority in 2017, particularly in orchestrating raids on the home and offices of Moeez Khan, the owner of a private housing scheme named Top City. These raids allegedly involved the unlawful seizure of gold, diamonds, money, and other valuables. Moeez Khan filed a petition with the Supreme Court of Pakistan, accusing Hameed and his brother, Sardar Najaf, of extorting PKR 4 crore from him.
Following these allegations, the military formed a high-level inquiry committee in April 2024 to investigate the matter. The inquiry, led by a senior army officer, confirmed multiple violations of the Pakistan Army Act, both during Hameed’s tenure and post-retirement. As a result, the military has initiated appropriate disciplinary action under the provisions of the Pakistan Army Act, culminating in Hameed’s arrest and the commencement of court martial proceedings.
ISI Chief Faiz Hameed
Faiz Hameed served as the ISI chief from June 2019 to November 2021, during which he was considered one of the most powerful figures in Pakistan’s military establishment. His appointment as ISI chief followed the controversial removal of the current Army Chief, Lieutenant General Asim Munir, from the post, reportedly due to disagreements with then-Prime Minister Imran Khan.
However, Hameed’s relationship with the military leadership eventually deteriorated, leading to his removal from the ISI. He opted for premature retirement in December 2022, four months before his official retirement date, shortly after the tenure of the current Army Chief, General Asim Munir, began.
The Supreme Court of Pakistan had ordered Hameed’s arrest in connection with the land development case involving the Top City housing scheme. The court also directed the Ministry of Defence to investigate the allegations against Hameed, resulting in the military’s decision to proceed with a court martial.
The arrest and court martial of Faiz Hameed signal a significant shift in Pakistan’s military accountability, as the powerful position of ISI chief has traditionally been considered untouchable. The outcome of this case will be closely watched, given its potential implications for the country’s military and political landscape.
Read also
Barcelona vs Real Madrid Pre Season Friendly: Barcelona won 2-1 in New Jersey El Clasico
Julien Alfred Clinches Historic Gold in Women’s 100m at Paris 2024
