The Pakistani government has leveled serious accusations against jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, alleging he masterminded a political conspiracy aimed at destabilizing the country. According to media reports, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar claims that Khan, the founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, collaborated with former ISI chief Lt-Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed and other individuals to spread unrest and sow discord across Pakistan.
The allegations stem from a series of events surrounding the arrest of Faiz Hameed, who served as the director-general of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) from 2019 to 2021 during Khan’s tenure as prime minister. Hameed was arrested following a complaint by a private property developer alleging misuse of official authority. Subsequent arrests included three retired military officers, all linked to the court-martial proceedings against Hameed.
At a press conference, Tarar hinted that the scope of the investigation into Hameed and his alleged accomplices would expand in the coming days. He emphasized the transparency of the army’s internal accountability mechanism, referencing the investigations conducted following Hameed’s arrest.
Tarar asserted that Khan conspired with these individuals to create widespread anarchy. He described their alliance as a “political alliance, led by the PTI founder, which was linked with Gen Faiz and other accomplices.” Furthermore, he alleged that evidence points to ongoing communication between Khan and these alleged conspirators, both before and after his imprisonment.
While Khan initially distanced himself from Hameed, he has since seemingly endorsed claims of their close relationship. He suggested that Hameed’s transfer to the Peshawar corps was part of a larger conspiracy against the PTI government, orchestrated by former army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa at the behest of Nawaz Sharif.
Hameed’s appointment to the coveted post of ISI chief in 2019, replacing then-ISI chief and current Army chief Lt Gen Asim Munir, was reportedly met with disapproval from Khan. Later, the army’s decision to remove Hameed from the position was vehemently opposed by Khan, marking the beginning of a strained relationship between Khan and the powerful military. Hameed subsequently took early retirement in November 2022, four months before his scheduled retirement date.
The accusations against Khan, coupled with the ongoing investigation into Hameed and his alleged accomplices, highlight the complex political landscape in Pakistan. The involvement of high-ranking military figures, former and current, adds a layer of intrigue and raises questions about the extent of their influence in national affairs.
