Former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief Lieutenant General (Retd) Faiz Hameed has been taken into military custody, and proceedings for his court martial have been initiated, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced on Monday.
This action marks the first time in Pakistan’s history that a former spymaster is facing a court martial.
The ISPR stated that the decision followed a comprehensive inquiry ordered by the Supreme Court of Pakistan, which investigated allegations against Hameed related to the Top City housing scheme scandal.
The military’s probe revealed multiple violations of the Pakistan Army Act, prompting the initiation of the Field General Court Martial process.
“Complying with the Supreme Court’s orders, a detailed court of inquiry was conducted to assess the legitimacy of complaints in the Top City case against Lt Gen Faiz Hameed (Retd),” the ISPR press release said.
“Appropriate disciplinary measures have been undertaken under the provisions of the Pakistan Army Act.”
The allegations against Hameed emerged from accusations made by the management of Top City, a private housing development. The management claimed that Hameed orchestrated a raid on their offices and the residence of its owner, Moeez Khan, seizing valuables under questionable circumstances.
The Supreme Court, in a written order issued on November 14, 2023, emphasized the gravity of the allegations, noting their potential to undermine the integrity of the country’s institutions if proven true.
The court directed that the accusations be thoroughly investigated to prevent any damage to the reputation of the federal government, the armed forces, and the ISI.
The inquiry committee, formed by the military in April, was tasked with investigating these allegations as part of a broader effort toward self-accountability.
The committee was headed by a serving major general and operated under the directives of the Supreme Court and the Ministry of Defence.
The case against Hameed also involves his brother, Najaf Hameed, who faced judicial remand earlier this year. Najaf, along with other accused individuals, is implicated in a separate FIR filed by the Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) in Rawalpindi, which alleges illicit accumulation of assets.
Lieutenant General Faiz Hameed, who retired from his position in November 2022, was a prominent figure in recent political controversies.
His tenure as ISI chief was marked by significant events, including his role in managing the Faizabad dharna in 2017 and his involvement in the tense civil-military relations regarding the appointment of Lt Gen Nadeem Anjum as ISI chief.
Hameed’s name was also linked to accusations by former judge Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui and others, who alleged manipulation of judicial proceedings and interference in political matters. Additionally, allegations of involvement in the Al-Qadir Trust case, involving former Prime Minister Imran Khan, have further marred Hameed’s legacy.