In a remarkable development, Pakistan's influential military establishment has initiated court martial proceedings against retired Lt. General Faiz Hameed, the former Director General of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). The charges against him involve alleged misconduct in the Top City Housing Society case and breaches of the Pakistan Army Act following his retirement.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has announced that the Pakistan Army has launched an inquiry into Faiz Hameed, who is now in custody. This action aligns with directives issued by the Supreme Court of Pakistan.
The ISPR's statement reads: “In accordance with the Supreme Court's instructions, the Pakistan Army has conducted a thorough inquiry to verify the allegations made against Lt. General (retd) Faiz Hameed in the Top City case.” It further states, “Appropriate disciplinary measures are being taken under the Pakistan Army Act.”
The ISPR also highlighted that Faiz Hameed is under investigation for allegedly leveraging his position as ISI DG to exert influence over the Top City Housing Society case, and for several infractions of the Army Act after his retirement. “The investigation has uncovered numerous breaches of the Pakistan Army Act post-retirement. Consequently, the process for a Field General Court Martial has commenced, and Faiz Hameed is now in custody,” the statement noted.
Faiz Hameed, who has been associated with former Prime Minister Imran Khan, came under scrutiny in April 2024 when the Pakistan Army set up a high-level committee to investigate claims that he misused his ISI authority in the Top City matter. This marks the first formal inquiry into Hameed by the Pakistan Army.
The controversy surrounding the Top City case gained widespread attention after Moeez Ahmed Khan, the owner of Top City, filed a petition with the Supreme Court on November 8, 2023. Khan alleged that ISI officials, under Hameed’s orders, raided his home and confiscated gold, diamonds, and cash. The Supreme Court subsequently directed the Attorney General to review the situation and liaise with the relevant authorities.
Faiz Hameed, a prominent figure known for his influential role as a spy chief, has been involved in several controversies, including the Faizabad dharna and efforts to extend the tenure of former Army Chief General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa. Nawaz Sharif, a former Prime Minister, had also implicated Hameed and Bajwa in his ousting through the Supreme Court.
The ongoing Top City case and the court martial proceedings against Hameed are significant not only for the specific allegations but also for additional recorded violations. The petitioner claims that during the raid, substantial assets were seized, including 400 tolas of gold and Rs 4 crore in cash. Many speculate that Hameed’s ambition to become Army Chief and his appointment by Imran Khan, who had previously removed the then-ISI DG General Syed Asim Munir, might have contributed to the stringent measures now being taken against him.
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