Pakistan Army formally arraigns ex-spy chief for engaging in ‘political activities’

The Pakistan Army has formally arraigned former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief Lt. Gen. (retd) Faiz Hameed on multiple charges, including engaging in political activities, violations of the Official Secrets Act, misuse of authority, and causing wrongful losses to individuals.

According to an Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement issued on Tuesday, the process of Field General Court Martial (FGCM) under the Pakistan Army Act was initiated on Aug. 12, 2024.

It said that the charges stem from alleged activities deemed detrimental to the state's safety and interests.

Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa and DG ISI Lt. General Faiz Hameed call on Prime Minister Imran Khan in Islamabad, Pakistan, December 24, 2020. Reuters

The ISPR further stated that investigations are underway to examine Hameed’s alleged role in fomenting agitation and unrest, including events leading up to the May 9, 2023, riots.

The statement added that Hameed’s alleged actions were carried out "at the behest of and in collusion with vested political interests."

While the investigation into his role in the May 9 unrest is ongoing, the army assured that Hameed is being afforded all legal rights in accordance with the law.

Case against Hameed

The retired lieutenant general is being charged with misconduct, for using his position to extort money from the owner of the housing scheme (Top City) located in Rawalpindi.

The owner, Mr. Moeez Ahmed Khan, filed a petition under article 184 (3) in the supreme court alleging that on May 12, 2017, ISI and Rangers personnel unlawfully raided his home and took away valuables including jewelry and cash.

The general was further accused of forcing the housing scheme owner to transfer the property to his name. During the raid, a Rangers official assaulted Moeez’s nine-year-old son by placing his foot on the child's face and yelling that his father was a terrorist.

The case was heard last year in November by a three-member bench of the SC comprising Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa, Justice Athar Minallah, and Justice Aminuddin Khan. In its judgment, the apex court declared that the allegations against the ex-army chief were of “an extremely serious nature, and if true, undoubtedly would undermine the reputation of the Federal Government, the Armed Forces, ISI and Pakistan Rangers, therefore, they cannot be left unattended.

Hameed's arrest

In August, the military said that it had arrested Hameed in connection with a land development case.

The arrest was ordered by the Supreme Court, the military said in a statement, adding that multiple violations of the Pakistan Army Act after Hameed's retirement had also been established.

‘Controversial service’

The retired general’s service appears to be one for controversies. The most significant allegation against him involves political maneuvering, especially before and after the 2018 general elections when he served as Major General and held the post of DG-C.

Faiz was accused of interfering in judicial matters by retired Justice Shaukat Siddiqui of the Islamabad High Court (IHC). The judge alleged that the spymaster was influencing court proceedings by pressurizing and forming benches of choice to hear cases against former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and his daughter, now Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. As a result of these allegations, Justice Siddiqui was dismissed from service.

However, the ex-spy chief denied these accusations in a response submitted to the Supreme Court on Justice Siddiqui’s petition challenging his dismissal. Despite the initial dismissal, Justice Siddiqui’s service was later restored.

The army officer also faced criticism for his alleged role in the 2017 Faizabad dharna staged by the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP). The sit-in was called off after he signed an agreement with the TLP leadership in an unprecedented act.

However, despite all the allegations, Gen Faiz Hameed got promotions and held coveted posts. In 2019, he was made DG ISI by then prime minster Imran Khan.

The move came following the unceremonious sacking of the now Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt General Asim Munir as DG ISI by then COAS General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Imran’s request.

Gen Munir held the position for only eight months, the shortest stint by any ISI chief. Hameed was later posted as Corp Commander Peshawar and then Corp Commander Bahawalpur. He took early retirement in November 2022 after being superseded by Gen Asim Munir to become the army chief.