Former ISI Chief Faiz Hameed’s Impending Court-Martial Applauded By Pakistani Ruling Coalition
News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/13th August 2024
Pakistan’s ruling coalition has voiced strong support for the impending court-martial of former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief, Lieutenant General (retired) Faiz Hameed. Hameed, who served as the ISI director general from 2019 to 2021 during the tenure of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, was recently arrested by military authorities in connection with a housing scheme scandal. However, Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), chose to remain neutral on the matter, describing it as an internal issue of the military.
Hameed’s arrest marks a significant development, as he has long been a controversial figure in Pakistan’s political landscape. Accusations of his involvement in political meddling during his tenure as ISI chief have persisted, with critics alleging that he acted on Khan’s behalf to influence political affairs. The military’s decision to arrest Hameed and initiate court-martial proceedings under the Pakistan Army Act is seen by many as a move towards accountability within the armed forces.
The allegations against Hameed center around his alleged misuse of authority, particularly in relation to a raid on the residence of the owner of Top City Housing Society. This incident, which took place in May 2017, reportedly involved the seizure of valuables, including gold, diamonds, and money. The owner of the housing society later filed a complaint against Hameed, leading to an investigation and ultimately, his arrest.
PTI’s response to the situation has been notably subdued. Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, a senior figure within the party, emphasized that the military is a disciplined institution with its own procedures for handling both serving and retired officers. He reiterated that the issue is an internal matter for the military, distancing PTI from any direct involvement or commentary on the court-martial proceedings.
In contrast, members of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) have been more vocal in their support for the military’s actions. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar described the decision to court-martial Hameed as the “right decision,” reflecting a broader sentiment within the coalition that accountability is necessary for those who abuse their power.
PML-N Senator Irfan Siddiqui went further, suggesting that the investigation into Hameed’s activities could reveal the extent of his political meddling. Siddiqui pointed out that Hameed had allegedly supported PTI within Parliament, helping the party pass legislation and secure a majority in the National Assembly. He also accused Hameed of attempting to control the media, politicians, and even the judiciary during his time as ISI chief.
Rana Sanaullah, a senior PML-N leader, echoed these sentiments, accusing Hameed of orchestrating the Faizabad sit-in, which brought Islamabad to a standstill for weeks. The sit-in was staged by a religious group, and Sanaullah alleged that it was done under Hameed’s direction as part of his broader political interference.
PPP leader Qamar Zaman Kaira praised the military’s internal accountability mechanisms, noting that the inquiry into Hameed had confirmed multiple violations. Kaira suggested that the decision to court-martial Hameed reflected the seriousness of the offenses committed, and that such actions were necessary to uphold the integrity of the military.
Defense Minister Khawaja Asif added a personal perspective, suggesting that Hameed, known for his influential role in the political landscape, was unable to resist becoming involved in political matters even after his retirement. Asif hinted that Hameed might have played a role in the nationwide riots that erupted last year following Khan’s arrest, although he acknowledged that this was speculation.
