Faiz Hameed Arraigned for Political Activities,Court Martial
Ex-ISI Chief Faiz Hameed Facing Military Court Martial on Multiple Charges
Former Intelligence Head Charged with Political Interference, Corruption, and Misuse of Authority
In a significant development in Pakistan’s military and political spheres, retired Lieutenant General Faiz Hameed, the former head of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), has been formally indicted under various charges, including engaging in political activities and misusing his office. The charges come as part of an ongoing court-martial process, which is being conducted under the provisions of the Pakistan Army Act.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military’s media arm, Lt Gen (Retd) Faiz Hameed is facing a Field General Court Martial (FGCM) for violations that include his alleged involvement in political interference, misuse of authority, and breaches of the Official Secrets Act. The indictment is part of a broader investigation into his role in political unrest in the country, including his potential involvement in the disturbances of May 9, 2023, which saw widespread violence.
Court Martial Proceedings Underway
The ISPR issued an official statement on Tuesday, confirming that the court martial proceedings against Faiz Hameed were initiated on August 12, 2024. The charges against him encompass a range of serious allegations, including political manipulation, misuse of government resources, and violations detrimental to the state’s interests.
The ISPR statement confirmed that Lt Gen Faiz Hameed (Retd) has been formally charged with involvement in political maneuvering, violations of the Official Secrets Act, and actions detrimental to national security. Furthermore, his suspected role in inciting instability, especially with regard to the events of May 9, 2023, is being investigated separately.
The statement clarified that the investigation would focus on allegations that Hameed, in collaboration with political interests, may have stoked unrest in the lead-up to the May 9 incidents. The military assured that Hameed’s legal rights would be fully respected.
The Allegations Against Faiz Hameed
The allegations against Faiz Hameed also include accusations of political interference and corrupt practices. A high-level inquiry committee, headed by a Major General, was formed earlier this year to investigate the accusations, which were sparked by claims made by businessman Moeez Ahmed Khan.
In April 2023, Khan submitted a petition to the Supreme Court, alleging that Hameed had misused his authority. According to the petition, in May 2017, Hameed allegedly ordered a raid on Khan’s business premises and personal residence in the Top City area, during which valuables, including gold, cash, and diamonds, were seized by ISI officials. Khan further claimed that Hameed’s family later sought to settle the matter, assuring the return of some confiscated items but withholding substantial sums of gold and cash.
The allegations, including claims of extortion, were serious enough to warrant the attention of Pakistan’s Supreme Court, which ordered a thorough investigation. In response to these allegations, the Attorney General for Pakistan assured the court that full cooperation would be provided to ensure that the matter was addressed according to the law.
Investigating Political Agitation and May 9 Unrest
While the corruption charges are being thoroughly investigated, a separate inquiry is underway regarding Hameed’s involvement in political agitation, particularly concerning the violent incidents of May 9, 2023. The disturbances, which included attacks on military institutions and state assets, have been linked to a broader political crisis in the country, including the ousting of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Sources suggest that Hameed’s close ties with Khan, who was removed from office in April 2022, could have contributed to the unrest. Faiz Hameed was seen as a central figure in the civil-military tensions that erupted during Khan’s tenure. At the time, Khan was reportedly keen on retaining Hameed as the head of ISI. Still, Army Chief Qamar Javed Bajwa, who had a strained relationship with Khan, insisted on replacing him.
Hameed’s involvement with the political landscape, especially his alleged role in assisting Khan and his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), is believed to have contributed to the growing rift between the military and the civilian government. His actions as ISI chief and later as a retired general are under intense scrutiny as the investigation into the political disturbances continues.
Who is Faiz Hameed?
Faiz Hameed was once considered one of the most powerful men in Pakistan, given his role as the head of the country’s premier intelligence agency, ISI. Known for his outspokenness and willingness to be in the public eye, Hameed often defied the traditional secrecy surrounding his position. His tenure as ISI chief saw significant developments in Pakistan’s relations with neighboring Afghanistan, particularly during the chaotic withdrawal of U.S. forces from Kabul in 2021.
Beyond his role in intelligence, Hameed was known for his strong ties to former Prime Minister Imran Khan, with many viewing him as one of Khan’s key allies. Their strong personal and professional relationship was believed to have influenced key government decisions. However, tensions arose between Hameed and other military leaders, notably General Qamar Javed Bajwa, which fueled the following political crises.
The Road Ahead: Legal and Political Repercussions
As the court martial proceedings against Faiz Hameed unfold, the political and legal consequences will likely reverberate through Pakistan’s military and civilian institutions. The outcome of the court martial will impact Hameed’s future and shape the broader debate around the military’s role in politics, governance, and national security.
The investigation into his political activities and the ongoing legal processes regarding corruption and misuse of power highlight the shifting dynamics in Pakistan’s power corridors. It remains to be seen how the country’s political landscape will evolve, especially given the deepening tensions between the military and the civilian government.
As these proceedings continue, all eyes will be on the military’s next steps and whether this high-profile case will serve as a precedent for addressing similar issues within Pakistan’s powerful military establishment.
Source: The Tribune
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