Former ISI Chief Arrested by Military Authorities

In a surprising turn of events, former chief of Pakistan‘s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Lt Gen (retd.) Faiz Hameed, has been arrested by military authorities. This arrest comes amidst ongoing tensions in the political landscape, particularly concerning jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan‘s party.

Hameed, who served as the director general of ISI from 2019 to 2021 while Khan was in power, has faced accusations of meddling in politics at Khan’s request. The military has initiated court martial proceedings against him, citing alleged misuse of authority in connection with a raid at the residence of Kunwar Moeez Khan, the owner of Top City Housing Society.

The ruling coalition, particularly members of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), has welcomed the military’s actions. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar called it a “right decision,” indicating that the move was based on the outcome of investigations. Tarar emphasized the integrity of military procedures for handling both active and retired officers.

Meanwhile, Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has chosen to remain neutral. PTI chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan described the military’s move as an «internal matter» and praised the army’s organized nature in dealing with these situations.

Senator Irfan Siddiqui from PML-N claimed that evidence of Hameed’s political interference would soon surface, suggesting that he played a role in supporting Khan’s party during legislative actions in the National Assembly. Allegations include attempting to exert influence over the media and judiciary as well.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif spoke to the press, stating that Hameed’s involvement in political affairs has been evident since his retirement, adding that the Supreme Court’s order prompted the action against him.

The timing of Hameed’s arrest has sparked speculation. Many wonder if this decisive move by Army Chief Asim Munir was meant to send a clear message to other military officers who might have sympathies for Khan. With Pakistan celebrating its 77th Independence Day soon, the arrest has overshadowed national pride, shifting the focus to military accountability.