In a historic turn of events, retired Lt-Gen Faiz Hameed, the former head of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), is facing court-martial proceedings for charges related to the misuse of authority and violations of the Army Act. This marks the first time in the country’s history that a former ISI chief has been arrested and will stand trial for such serious allegations.
Hameed’s arrest comes amid an ongoing investigation into a housing scheme scandal, with speculation also swirling about his potential involvement in the May 9 violent protests against military installations. His close ties to former Prime Minister Imran Khan have raised questions about whether these proceedings are politically motivated, even as the military claims they are part of a tough internal accountability process.
The timing of this action against Hameed is notable, occurring during escalating tensions between the military-backed ruling coalition and the opposition led by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). As the nation grapples with political unrest, Hameed’s arrest threatens to further destabilize the already fraught political landscape, calling into question the military’s deep involvement in civilian governance.
Hameed has been a controversial figure since his tenure as DG-C ISI, where he was allegedly linked to orchestrating political manipulations, including the controversial 2018 elections that brought Imran Khan to power. His involvement in the Faizabad dharna, which saw an extremist group challenging the state’s authority, further underscores the contentious role of military leaders in Pakistan’s political sphere.
As this unprecedented trial unfolds, all eyes will be on the military establishment to clarify the specifics of Hameed’s alleged violations and the broader implications for the relationship between military and civilian power in Pakistan. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
