Former ISI Chief Faiz Hameed Arrested Amid amid corruption allegations and Power Struggles in Pakistan
Image Credits: OpIndia
Retired Lt. Gen. Faiz Hameed, who previously served as the Director-General of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) from June 2019 to October 2021, has been apprehended by the military. Hameed, known for his anti-India stance and close ties with former Prime Minister Imran Khan, played a significant role during his tenure at ISI, particularly during the Taliban’s seizure of Afghanistan in 2021. His influence was so profound that Imran Khan intended to appoint him as the next Chief of the Pakistan Army, a plan that never came to fruition.
Hameed’s reputation extends beyond his anti-India rhetoric. He is credited with mediating peace talks between Sirajuddin Haqqani of the Haqqani network and the Taliban, and he was instrumental in the Taliban’s ascension to power in Kabul following the U.S. withdrawal. Hameed’s visit to Kabul after the Taliban’s takeover was viewed as a crucial step to strengthen Pakistan’s relations with the new Afghan government.
Arrest and Charges
Faiz Hameed was recently arrested prior to his military court hearing, which is related to his involvement in a real estate scandal. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media arm of the Pakistan Army, confirmed that a thorough investigation was carried out following orders from the Supreme Court of Pakistan. This inquiry examined allegations against Hameed in the Top City Case, a real estate development scandal. The investigation revealed multiple violations of the Pakistan Army Act by Hameed, prompting the initiation of appropriate disciplinary action. Consequently, Hameed has been placed in military custody, and the proceedings of a Field General Court Martial have commenced.
This capture is part of a broader crackdown on individuals related to Imran Khan’s government. Significantly, Hameed’s brother, Najaf Hamid, was also captured on corruption charges in Punjab territory. Najaf, an income officer, was accused of abusing his authority, and his capture is seen as part of the new government’s efforts to take action against those who targeted the Sharif family during Imran Khan’s administration. The ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has been particularly aggressive in pursuing those responsible for the ousting of Nawaz Sharif from power in 2017.
Political Ramifications–
The capture of Faiz Hameed and his brother is seen as part of the PML-N’s broader campaign to seek revenge against those involved in the downfall of the Sharif family. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has been vocal in her calls to hold former army chief Gen (Retd.) Qamar Javed Bajwa, Faiz Hameed, and former Chief Justice of Pakistan Saqib Nisar accountable for their actions against the Sharif family. This political feud highlights the deep divisions within Pakistan’s political and military establishments.
As the government continues to tighten its grip on Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders and their supporters within the establishment, the capture of Faiz Hameed marks a significant development in Pakistan’s ongoing power struggle. With Imran Khan already in prison since August last year on various charges, the PML-N government appears determined to dismantle the networks that once supported him, signaling a turbulent period ahead for Pakistan’s political landscape.
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- News Writer
- Sanchita is currently pursuing her master's in journalism and mass communication. She has already completed a PG diploma in journalism and mass communication from Patna Women's College and her graduation from Berhampur University. With a strong desire to become a journalist, she is focused on learning and enhancing her skills to excel in her chosen career.
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