Rawalpindi, December 11 – The Pakistan Army has launched a court-martial against former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Chief, Lieutenant General (Retd) Faiz Hamid, on charges of misusing authority, engaging in political activities, and violating the Official Secrets Act.
These actions, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), compromised state security and national interests.
Charges Against Faiz Hamid
The allegations against the retired general include:
- Misuse of Authority and Government Resources: Hamid is accused of leveraging his position for personal and political purposes.
- Engaging in Political Activities: Investigations revealed his involvement in activities linked to political unrest.
- Violating the Official Secrets Act: Allegations state that Hamid jeopardized sensitive state information.
May 9 Riots and Political Unrest
The ISPR statement detailed Hamid’s alleged role in inciting unrest, particularly during the May 9 riots. These protests erupted last year following the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Supporters of Khan’s PTI party targeted public and military facilities, leading to charges under the Army Act.
Investigations link Hamid to collusion with political entities to foment instability, including his involvement in incidents surrounding the May 9 violence.
Legal Proceedings and Investigations
- Court-Martial Initiation: The Pakistan Army Act proceedings began on August 12. Hamid’s court-martial is based on complaints investigated following orders from the Supreme Court.
- Land Grabbing Allegations: The ex-general is also implicated in a private housing society case, accused of land grabbing and theft during a raid.
- Legal Rights Ensured: The ISPR emphasized that Hamid is being afforded all legal rights throughout the proceedings.
Broader Implications
The case has drawn attention to the accountability of high-ranking officials in Pakistan’s military. Three other retired officers are also under investigation for their roles in the same housing society case, highlighting systemic challenges within the institution.
