ISLAMABAD, Dec 10: In a groundbreaking development, former spymaster of Pakistan, Lt Gen (retd.) Faiz Hameed, has been formally charged with several offenses, including participation in political activities, breaching the Official Secrets Act, and misusing his authority and government resources, as announced by the army on Tuesday.
According to a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military’s media arm, the Field General Court Martial (FGCM) proceedings against Hameed began on August 12, 2024.
The former head of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) was charged under the Pakistan Army Act. The charges against Lt Gen Faiz Hameed (Retd) include involvement in political activities, violations of the Official Secrets Act that threaten the state’s safety and interests, misuse of his authority and governmental resources, and causing undue loss to individuals.
“Investigations are also underway regarding Hameed’s involvement in inciting unrest leading to various events, including the May 9, 2023 incident, in collusion with specific political factions,” the statement mentioned.
The military assured that the former general would receive all legal rights as per established laws.
Hameed served as the director general of the ISI from 2019 to 2021 and was regarded as a powerful figure during his tenure. He was appointed after the premature removal of then-ISI chief Lt Gen Asim Munir, amidst reported dissatisfaction from then-Prime Minister Imran Khan with Munir’s leadership.
The military later opted to replace Hameed, a decision met with strong opposition from Khan, which reportedly strained their relationship.
Hameed resigned in November 2022, four months shy of his retirement, after being overlooked for the position of army chief.
His legal troubles began on November 8, 2023, when Moeez Ahmed Khan, owner of Top City, filed a petition with the Supreme Court, alleging misuse of authority by Hameed.
The petition claimed that on May 12, 2017, at Hameed’s behest, ISI officials conducted a raid on Khan’s office and residence, confiscating valuables, including gold, diamonds, and cash.
Khan also asserted that Hameed’s brother, Sardar Najaf, later contacted him to settle the matter and that Hameed himself met him to discuss the return of some of the confiscated items, although he stated that 400 tolas of gold and some cash would not be returned.
Additionally, the petition accused ISI officials of extorting Rs 4 crore from Khan.
A Supreme Court bench comprising then Chief Justice Qazi Faiz Isa, Justice Attar Minullah, and Justice Aminuddin reviewed the case and referred it to the Ministry of Defence for investigation.
In April, the army announced the formation of a high-level inquiry committee led by a major general to address the allegations.
The role of ISI chief is paramount within the Pakistan Army, which has governed the country for over half of its 77 years and continues to hold considerable influence over security and foreign policy matters. (PTI)
