Former ISI Chief Faces Court Martial

In a surprising turn of events, former Pakistani intelligence chief Faiz Hameed has been taken into military custody as a court martial process begins against him. This is a notable move, as it’s the first time in Pakistan that a former head of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) is facing such proceedings.

The Pakistan Army‘s media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), confirmed that this action was taken in response to an inquiry into serious allegations linked to the Top City case. It’s reported that these allegations concern misuse of authority during Hameed’s tenure.

Hameed, who served as the DG of ISI from 2019 to 2022, was once a powerful figure and was close to former Prime Minister Imran Khan. However, tensions arose when the army decided to appoint Lt Gen Nadeem Anjum as the new ISI chief, a move that Khan initially resisted.

The accusations against Hameed include orchestrating a raid on the property of Moeez Ahmed Khan, the owner of the Top City housing scheme. Khan claims that ISI officials seized valuables during this raid, which occurred back in 2017.

According to Khan’s petition to the Supreme Court, ISI officials, under Hameed’s direction, allegedly took items worth a significant sum, including gold and cash. Furthermore, it’s claimed that Hameed sought to resolve the issue privately afterward, which raises further questions about his conduct.

The Supreme Court viewed the allegations as serious enough to warrant a full investigation, leading to the military’s inquiry against Hameed earlier this year. The results of this inquiry prompted the initiation of his court martial.

This situation places Hameed in the spotlight, revealing the intricate relationships and power dynamics within Pakistan’s military and political landscape. Former officials and political figures have also criticized Hameed for his past actions and perceived influence in various political matters, including the legal troubles faced by opposition leaders Nawaz and Maryam Nawaz.