Former Pakistani Spy Chief Faiz Hamid Indicted Over Political Misuse, Military Attacks

Pakistan’s former spy chief, Faiz Hamid, has been formally indicted on charges of political involvement, abuse of authority, and breaching the Official Secrets Act, the military confirmed on Tuesday. Hamid, a retired lieutenant general, has been in military custody since August when court martial proceedings against him began.

The military statement also revealed that Hamid would face an investigation regarding the May 2023 attacks on several Pakistani military installations, which were allegedly carried out by supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. These attacks are believed to have been incited by Khan, who was indicted last week, along with numerous party members, by an anti-terrorism court for encouraging the assaults. Khan and his allies have denied the accusations.

Hamid, who served as the head of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) under Khan from 2019 to 2021, has been a central figure in the strained relationship between the former prime minister and the Pakistani military. Analysts note that tensions between Khan and army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa played a significant role in Khan’s ousting from office in 2022. The ongoing investigations and charges against both Hamid and Khan have intensified the political unrest in Pakistan.