Judge recuses from Pakistan ex-ISI chief’s brother’s bail case citing 'improper overtures'

A Pakistani judge has recused himself on Tuesday from hearing a bail petition filed by Najaf Hameed, the brother of former Pakistani spy chief Faiz Hameed, following allegations of an improper attempt to approach the court.

Justice Inam Amin Minhas stepped aside during proceedings at the Islamabad High Court on Hameed’s petition seeking protection from arrest in a fraud case registered by Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency.

Addressing the defense counsel in open court, the judge said, “Please advise your client. This is not appropriate. I will not hear this case anymore,” before recusing himself from the matter.

Hameed had earlier obtained interim bail and was required to appear before the court as the FIA prepared to proceed with his arrest.

Speaking to reporters outside the courtroom, Hameed said under oath that neither he nor any family member had attempted to influence the court or interfere with the judicial process.

Court officials said the case would now be referred to another bench of the Islamabad High Court for further proceedings.

In an earlier hearing, the high court had barred the FIA from arresting Hameed and suspended an order by a special central court that had canceled his pre-arrest bail.

The cancellation order had been issued after the FIA moved the trial court to revoke Hameed’s bail, arguing that a settlement between the parties, on which bail had been granted, was not legally sustainable and had allegedly been violated.

Hameed challenged that order before the high court. His lawyer argued the trial court initially granted bail after hearing detailed arguments from both sides, but later withdrew it without assigning reasons.

On Jan. 26, a special court in Islamabad formally canceled Hameed’s bail in the fraud case. Special Judge Central FIA Shah Rukh Arjumand announced the reserved verdict on the FIA’s application seeking cancellation.

Hameed was not taken into custody at the time as he was not present in court when the order was announced, according to court records.

What’s the case and who is Najaf Hameed?

The FIA said the case involves allegations of fraud and financial deception that remain under investigation and that sufficient evidence exists to warrant custodial interrogation.

Hameed is the brother of Faiz Hameed, a retired lieutenant general who previously headed Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence.

In December, Pakistan’s military said Faiz Hameed was convicted by a Field General Court Martial and sentenced to 14 years in prison.

In a statement, Inter-Services Public Relations said the court found him guilty on four charges, including involvement in political activities, violations of the Official Secrets Act, misuse of authority and causing wrongful loss to individuals.

The military said the trial began on Aug. 12, 2024, under the Pakistan Army Act, and that Hameed retains the right to appeal under military law.