Former DG ISI Faiz Hameed indicted on charges of ‘engaging in political activities’: ISPR

Published at: December 10, 2024 5:43 PM

Updated at: December 11, 2024 6:25 AM

Retired Lt Gen Faiz Hameed, the former head of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), has been formally charged with engaging in political activities, a violation of the Pakistan Army Act. The military's media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), announced the charges following months of investigations and court martial proceedings. Hameed faces multiple allegations, including breaching the Official Secrets Act, misusing authority and government resources, and causing financial harm to individuals. The ISPR also revealed that his alleged involvement in the May 9, 2023, nationwide unrest is under separate investigation. These protests, sparked by the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, led to damage to military installations and public property.

The investigation into Hameed’s actions began earlier this year after the Supreme Court directed Kanwar Moeez Khan, owner of the Top City housing society, to file complaints against him with the Ministry of Defence. The allegations included orchestrating a raid on Khan’s property, seizing valuables, and abusing his position for personal gain. Hameed was arrested in August 2023 after being summoned to Rawalpindi, a significant development reflecting a shift in accountability within Pakistan's military, where senior figures have historically been considered untouchable.

The ISPR has assured that Hameed will be afforded all legal rights. His lawyer, Advocate Mian Ali Ashfaq, confirmed that Hameed plans to contest the charges. The case has also implicated other retired officers, such as Brigadiers Ghaffar and Naeem Fakhar, accused of extortion and misconduct related to housing society disputes. Additionally, the investigation has raised concerns over Hameed’s alleged collusion with political entities aiming to destabilize the state. His purported role in the May 9 unrest has drawn scrutiny, raising questions about his ties to political figures, including Imran Khan.

During his tenure as ISI chief from 2019 to 2021, Hameed was involved in several high-profile controversies. Notably, he helped resolve the 2017 Faizabad sit-in by the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan, a move criticized for exceeding the ISI's mandate. He was also accused of influencing judicial proceedings to secure convictions against PML-N leaders Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz. After serving as Peshawar and Bahawalpur Corps Commander, he retired in 2022 but remained a contentious figure due to his alleged political affiliations and actions.

The allegations against Hameed have prompted strong reactions. PML-N leaders claim the charges expose a broader nexus between him and the PTI, accusing him of facilitating the party's rise to power. Journalist Shahzaib Khanzada noted the case’s potential political impact, not only for Hameed but also for PTI leadership. The accusations linking Hameed to the May 9 unrest further complicate the matter, raising questions about possible collusion between him and political entities.

As the investigation continues, this case represents a significant effort to enforce accountability within Pakistan's military. Its outcome could have far-reaching consequences for civil-military relations and political dynamics in the country, setting a precedent for dealing with allegations of misconduct at the highest levels.