Pakistan’s ex-DG ISI Faiz Hameed taken into military custody; court martial begins: ISPR

Pakistan's ex-DG ISI Faiz Hameed taken into military custody; court martial begins: ISPRImage: Dawn

Dil Bar Irshad | August 12, 2024 | 08:44 PM IST | Breaking News, Pakistan News, World | Follow on Google News

Pakistan’s ex-DG ISI Faiz Hameed taken into military custody; court martial begins: ISPR

Pakistan’s ex-DG ISI Faiz Hameed taken into military custody; court martial begins: ISPR

Key Highlights:

1. First-ever Court Martial: Faiz Hameed becomes the first former intelligence chief in Pakistan’s history to face court martial.
2. Misuse of Authority: Allegations of misuse of authority in connection with the Top City housing scheme scandal.
3. Supreme Court Directive: The investigation and subsequent actions stem from Supreme Court orders.

Islamabad, Aug 12: Former intelligence chief Faiz Hameed has been taken into military custody, with the process for his court martial initiated in connection with the Top City housing scheme scandal, according to a statement from the army’s media wing on Monday.

This development marks the first instance in Pakistan’s history where a former intelligence chief faces a court martial. “Complying with the orders of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, a detailed court of inquiry was undertaken by Pakistan Army to ascertain the correctness of complaints in the Top City case made against Lt Gen Faiz Hameed (Retd),” the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) press release stated.

The ISPR further disclosed that appropriate disciplinary action under the Pakistan Army Act has been initiated against Lt Gen Hameed. Multiple instances of violation of the Pakistan Army Act post-retirement have also been established, leading to the initiation of the Field General Court Martial process.

The inquiry committee, reportedly formed in April, investigated allegations of misuse of authority against Hameed. This committee, headed by a serving major general, was established as a gesture of self-accountability by the military, following directives from the Supreme Court and the Ministry of Defence.

The Supreme Court, in a written order issued on November 14, had highlighted that the serious allegations against Hameed could undermine the reputation of federal institutions, necessitating thorough investigation. These allegations, made by the management of Top City, claimed that Hameed orchestrated a raid on the offices and residence of its owner, Moeez Khan.

In related developments, a probe into Hameed and his brother for alleged corruption and accumulating assets beyond means had been underway. In March 2024, a Rawalpindi court sent Hameed’s brother, Najaf Hameed, to judicial remand over these allegations.

The allegations include claims that Pakistan Rangers and ISI officials raided Top City’s offices and took valuables under the pretext of a terrorism case. Post-acquittal, Moeez Khan alleged that Hameed and other officials demanded significant sums of money and sponsorships.

The newly constituted inquiry committee is expected to present its findings to the relevant authorities soon, continuing the investigation and legal proceedings.

(Refrences from Dawn)

Dil Bar Irshad

Dil Bar Irshad is a seasoned journalist, hails from Jammu Kashmir's Doda, covers political, social, business stories, index stories.