Former ISI Chief Arrested in Corruption Case

In a surprising turn of events, Pakistan‘s former ISI chief, Lt Gen (retd.) Faiz Hameed, was arrested by military authorities amid allegations of corruption related to the Top City housing project near Islamabad.

Hameed, who served as the head of the Inter-Services Intelligence agency from 2019 to 2021 during Imran Khan‘s tenure as prime minister, faced accusations of political meddling, which has created a stir in the country’s political circles.

The military announced his arrest on August 12, 2024, stating that court martial proceedings had begun under the Pakistan Army Act for the alleged misuse of his authority. This action followed a Supreme Court inquiry sparked by complaints from the owner of Top City, who claimed Hameed had ordered ISI officials to raid his home and seize valuables.

Leaders from the ruling coalition welcomed the arrest, with Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) members expressing that it was a justified move. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar called it a “right decision,” suggesting that investigations would reveal the extent of Hameed’s political involvement and misconduct.

Meanwhile, members of Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party took a more neutral stance, labeling the military’s actions as an “internal matter” and emphasizing that the army has its own processes for dealing with retired officers.

The political landscape in Pakistan is evolving, and this arrest marks a significant departure for the military’s approach towards its high-ranking officials. As the charges underline deeper tensions within the military and political realms, many observers are left questioning the future dynamics in Pakistan.