Rawalpindi: In a significant development, three retired military officers have been taken into custody amid court martial proceedings against former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief, Lt Gen (Retd) Faiz Hameed. The arrests, confirmed by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) in a press release on Thursday, are related to actions deemed “prejudicial to military discipline” as part of an ongoing investigation.
The case against Faiz Hameed, once one of Pakistan’s most powerful military figures, marks an unprecedented move against a former top intelligence officer. The former ISI head was arrested earlier this week on charges of violating the Army Act, a development that has sent shockwaves through Pakistan’s military and political circles.
The controversy stems from allegations made by Kanwar Moeez Khan, the owner of Islamabad’s Top City housing society. Khan accused Hameed of orchestrating a campaign of victimization against him, prompting the Supreme Court of Pakistan to issue a directive in November 2023. The directive instructed Khan to seek redress through relevant channels, including the Ministry of Defence, which eventually led to the initiation of court martial proceedings against Hameed.
This situation has been described as “very unusual” by former Interior Minister and PML-N leader Rana Sanaullah, who noted that such high-level action against a former military officer is almost unprecedented in Pakistan’s history. Sanaullah suggested that this move could enhance the military’s reputation for accountability, reinforcing the notion that no one is above the law, regardless of their rank or influence.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif echoed these sentiments, implying that Hameed’s continued involvement in political matters after his retirement played a role in his downfall. Asif speculated that Hameed, who wielded significant power during his tenure, may have struggled to step back from the political scene, which ultimately led to his current predicament.
The investigation into Faiz Hameed began in April, with the military forming a special inquiry committee to probe allegations of misconduct and misuse of authority. This committee, led by a serving major general, was established as a gesture of self-accountability within the armed forces, following directives from both the Supreme Court and the Ministry of Defence.
Faiz Hameed’s military career has been marked by controversy, particularly during his tenure as ISI chief from June 2019 to October 2021. He was embroiled in a public dispute over the appointment of his successor, Lt Gen Nadeem Anjum, which led to tensions between the military and the then-PTI government. Hameed’s name has also been linked to various political controversies, including allegations of manipulating judicial proceedings and involvement in the nationwide riots following the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan.
Following his early retirement in November 2022, Hameed remained a controversial figure, with ongoing investigations into his activities. In March 2024, a Rawalpindi court sent his brother, retired naib tehsildar Najaf Hameed, to Adiala jail on a 14-day judicial remand as part of a related corruption case.
The military’s recent actions against Hameed and other retired officers reflect a broader commitment to accountability, even at the highest levels of power. As the inquiry continues, the findings of the newly formed committee will be crucial in determining the full extent of the alleged misconduct and its impact on Pakistan’s military and political landscape.