Ex-chief of ISI taken into custody; court martial ordered in scam
IN a dramatic turn of events, former intelligence chief Lt Gen Faiz Hameed has been placed in military custody and process of a court martial launched in connection with a housing project controversy, the army's media wing has announced.
This is the first time in the country’s history that a court martial has been ordered against a former spymaster. The development is likely to have far-reaching consequences, according to analysts.
A statement released by the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that Pakistan Army conducted a thorough investigation to determine the validity of the accusations filed against retired Lt Gen Hameed in the Top City case.
The statement said: “Consequently, appropriate disciplinary action has been initiated against Lt Gen Faiz Hameed (Retd), under provisions of Pakistan Army Act. In addition, numerous instances of violation of the Pakistan Army Act post retirement have been revealed.
“The Field General Court Martial process has begun, and Lt Gen Faiz Hameed (Retd) has been placed in military custody,” the ISPR added.
In April, the military reportedly formed an inquiry committee to look into charges of abuse of authority levelled against the former head of the ISI. According to sources, the military did so to highlight its process of accountability. They said the committee was formed in response to directives of the Supreme Court and the Ministry of Defence.
The management of Top City, a private housing estate, made serious claims against the former ISI chief, claiming that he ordered a raid on the offices and residence of its owner, Moeez Khan.
In November 2023, the Supreme Court directed the owner of the housing society to approach the authorities concerned, including the defence ministry, to resolve the matter.
In March 2023, then-interior minister Rana Sanaullah had stated that an investigation was going on against the former ISI commander and his brother for alleged corruption and asset accumulation beyond their means.
In March 2024, a Rawalpindi court sent Najaf Hameed, the former spymaster’s brother, to Adiala jail on a 14-day judicial remand. Najaf and his co-accused had sought pre-arrest bail in an FIR filed with the Anti-Corruption Establishment in Rawalpindi. The FIR claimed that former minister of mineral resources Hafiz Ammar Yasir purchased properties worth billions of rupees in the name of ‘benamidars’.