On Monday (12th August), the Pakistan Army arrested the former ISI Chief Faiz Hameed in connection with a housing scheme scandal. Pakistan army’s media wing, Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that they have also initiated court martial proceedings against Faiz Hameed. As per Pakistani outlet Dawn, this is the first time in Pakistan’s history when court martial proceedings have been initiated against a former intelligence chief.
According to the Pakistani army’s media wing, Hameed has been arrested in compliance with the earlier orders of the Supreme Court of Pakistan.
In a press release, the ISPR said, “Complying with the orders of Supreme Court of Pakistan, a detailed court of inquiry, was undertaken by Pakistan Army, to ascertain correctness of complaints in Top City case made against Lt Gen Faiz Hameed (Retd). Consequently, appropriate disciplinary action has been initiated against Lt Gen Faiz Hameed (Retd), under provisions of Pakistan Army Act.”
The ISPR further stated that multiple instances of violation of Pakistan Army Act post-retirement have also been established. They added that the process of Field General Court Martial has been initiated and Lt Gen Faiz Hameed (Retd) has been taken into military custody.
In April, Pakistan military reportedly formed an inquiry committee to investigate allegations of misuse of authority against Ex-ISI chief Faiz Hameed. Back then, the media reported that the committee was formed by the military as a gesture of self-accountability. It added that the committee would be headed by a serving major general. They added that the committee was formed in the light of directives of the Supreme Court and the Ministry of Defence.
In its written order dated 14th November, the Pakistan Supreme Court had described the allegations against Faiz Hameed as “extremely serious” which can’t be “left unattended”.
It had said, “The allegations are of an extremely serious nature, and if true, undoubtedly would undermine the reputation of the federal government, the armed forces, ISI and Pakistan Rangers, therefore, they cannot be left unattended.”
The scam allegations against the Ex-ISI Chief erupted after the management of Top City, a private housing scheme, claimed that he had orchestrated a raid on the offices and residence of its owner, Moeez Khan.
Subsequently, in November 2023, the Supreme Court of Pakistan asked the owner of the housing society to approach the defence ministry for the redressal of his grievances against the former head of ISI.
According to the Dawn report, Gen Hameed had opted to seek early retirement and sent his resignation to the high command in November 2022. His name was reportedly among the six senior-most generals who were included by General Headquarters in the list of potential candidates for the two top military offices that was sent to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for approval in November 2022.
However, he had been at the receiving end of criticism from PML-N supreme leader Nawaz Sharif and his daughter Maryam Nawaz who have accused him of having a role in their convictions and for backing the previous set-up under PTI.
