Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has made a startling allegation, claiming that Faiz Hameed, the former head of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), is being pressured into becoming a witness against him. Hameed is currently in custody due to his alleged involvement in a housing scheme scam. Khan suspects that Hameed’s testimony might be used to link him to the violent incidents that occurred on May 9th, potentially leading to a trial in a military court.
In a separate development, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) has intervened in a corruption case involving Khan and his spouse, related to the Al Qadir Trust. This case revolves around allegations of financial irregularities amounting to £190 million. The IHC has issued an order preventing the accountability court from delivering a verdict until further notice. While the court has permitted daily proceedings to continue, it has warned against any attempts to delay the case’s resolution.
Khan, currently imprisoned in Adiala jail after being detained in a separate case concerning the Toshakhana, a government depository for gifts received by officials, has vehemently denied the charges leveled against him in civil courts. He asserts that these charges are fabricated to implicate him through Hameed’s forced testimony. Khan has even challenged the possibility of Hameed’s testimony, claiming that CCTV footage can prove his non-involvement in the May 9th violence.
Khan has continued to demand a judicial investigation into the riots and has been highly critical of the current government, accusing them of attempting to cover up alleged electoral fraud. He has also expressed disappointment with the actions of former army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa, accusing him of betrayal. Khan believes Hameed’s removal from the ISI was a part of a deal between Bajwa and PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif.
Regarding the £190 million corruption case, the IHC’s division bench, comprised of Justices Mian Gul Hassan Aurangzeb and Babar Sattar, has instructed the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to respond to Khan’s petition seeking access to case records. The bench has allowed the accountability court to proceed with daily hearings but has emphasized that the restraining order could be revoked if any attempts are made to delay the case’s conclusion.
Former President Arif Alvi, who was present in court, declared his intention to remain in Pakistan even if he faces charges of high treason for dissolving the National Assembly in April 2022. Meanwhile, PTI leader Hammad Azhar has called for an end to political interference by the establishment and urged respect for the public mandate, warning of potential clashes if Khan faces further action. Sher Afzal Khan Marwat, another PTI leader, has criticized Faiz Hameed’s alleged actions, stating that Hameed’s conduct has negatively impacted the PTI rather than benefiting it. Marwat has condemned Hameed’s alleged victimization of political opponents and misuse of his position.
