The case involves allegations that Hameed orchestrated a raid on the offices and residence of Top City’s owner, Moeez Khan, and was implicated in various irregularities
By Asghar Ali Mubarak
RAWALPINDI: In a landmark development, the former Director General of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Lieutenant General Faiz Hameed (Retd), has been taken into military custody, and a court martial process has been initiated against him, according to a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Monday. This marks a historic first, as a former spymaster faces court martial proceedings in Pakistan.
The ISPR’s press release stated that the military’s action follows a detailed court of inquiry ordered by the Supreme Court of Pakistan. This inquiry was conducted to address complaints related to the Top City housing scheme scandal involving Lt Gen Faiz Hameed. The military’s press release elaborated that “appropriate disciplinary action” has been initiated under the provisions of the Pakistan Army Act. It also mentioned that multiple instances of violations of the Army Act post-retirement had been established, leading to Hameed’s current military custody and the commencement of a Field General Court Martial.
The Supreme Court had directed an inquiry into the allegations against Hameed, which included accusations of misuse of authority and corruption related to the Top City housing scheme. The case involves allegations that Hameed orchestrated a raid on the offices and residence of Top City’s owner, Moeez Khan, and was implicated in various irregularities. In response to the Supreme Court’s directives, the military formed an inquiry committee in April 2023 to investigate these allegations.
This committee, led by a serving major general, was established to ensure self-accountability within the military, reflecting the directives of the Supreme Court and the Ministry of Defence. The written order from the apex court, issued on November 14, highlighted the seriousness of the allegations and their potential impact on the reputation of the federal government, the armed forces, ISI, and Pakistan Rangers. The charges against Hameed are part of a broader investigation into allegations of corruption and abuse of power.
In March 2023, former Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah had confirmed an ongoing probe into Hameed and his brother, Najaf Hameed, over corruption claims and asset accumulation beyond means. Najaf Hameed had been remanded in Adiala Jail on a 14-day judicial remand in March 2024, in connection with the Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) case. Sanaullah described the initiation of court martial proceedings against Hameed as an unprecedented event, underscoring its significance in terms of military accountability. He noted that the action reflects a commitment to accountability at all levels, enhancing the military’s reputation for maintaining such standards.
General Faiz Hameed, who retired in November 2022, had previously been a central figure in several controversies, including his role in the Faizabad dharna of November 2017 and allegations related to political interventions. His tenure as ISI chief was marked by strained civil-military relations, particularly concerning the appointment of Lt Gen Nadeem Anjum as his successor. The ongoing court martial and related investigations reflect the military’s effort to address and rectify issues of corruption and misconduct, aiming to restore institutional integrity and accountability.
#FaizHameedCourtMartial, #ISIChief, #TopCityScandal, #MilitaryCustody, #CourtMartialProceedings, #PakistanArmy, #CorruptionAllegations, #SupremeCourtInquiry, #RanaSanaullah, #MilitaryAccountability,
