In a dramatic turn of events that has sent shockwaves through Pakistan’s political and military establishment, former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Director General Lieutenant General (Retired) Faiz Hameed has been formally indicted in ongoing court martial proceedings. This unprecedented move, involving a figure previously second only in power to the army chief, highlights the deep fissures and power struggles within the nation.
The military’s press release on December 10th confirmed the indictment, citing charges of “engaging in political activities.” This arrest, following Hameed’s detention in August, marks a significant departure from the norm in Pakistan, where the military’s influence remains pervasive despite a nominally civilian government. The initial arrest stemmed from allegations of corruption and abuse of power leveled by Moeez Khan, owner of the Top City housing society in Islamabad. Khan accused Hameed of demanding a substantial bribe – 400 tolas of gold and an unspecified sum of cash – to resolve issues stemming from a raid on his property by Pakistan Rangers and ISI personnel.
However, the indictment’s scope extends far beyond these initial corruption allegations. It directly links Hameed to the widespread violence that erupted on May 9th, 2023, following the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. On that day, supporters of Khan’s Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaf (PTI) party attacked numerous military installations, including the army headquarters in Rawalpindi. Hameed, long perceived as a close associate of Khan, is now accused of “collusion with vested political interests” to foment instability and unrest leading up to these events.
The military’s statement, as reported by Dawn, details a broader range of charges against Hameed. These include violations of the Official Secrets Act, detrimental to national security and interests; misuse of authority and government resources; and causing wrongful loss to individuals. The investigation further implicates Hameed in orchestrating agitation and unrest culminating in the May 9th incidents, acting at the behest of, and in collusion with, specific political entities.
The indictment comes amidst ongoing tensions between Imran Khan and the Pakistani army since his ouster in a vote of no confidence in 2022. Khan, currently facing numerous charges and spending significant time in jail, consistently alleges collusion between the military-intelligence establishment, other political opponents, and the United States to bring about his downfall. The arrest of Hameed, along with three other former senior army officers, in connection with Khan’s complaint further underscores the complexity and gravity of this situation. The ongoing court martial proceedings are closely watched, not only for their implications for Hameed but also for their potential to reshape Pakistan’s delicate political landscape and the intricate relationship between its civilian and military powers.
