Former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief Lt Gen (Retd) Faiz Hameed has been formally indicted on multiple charges, including engaging in political activities, the military’s media affairs wing said on Tuesday.
Introduction to the Arraignment
ISPR’s Official Statement
According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the charges are part of the ongoing court martial proceedings under the Pakistan Army Act. In a press release, the military’s media wing confirmed that the process of a Field General Court Martial (FGCM) was initiated against retired Lt Gen Faiz Hameed under the provisions of the Pakistan Army Act on August 12, 2024.
Charges Against Faiz Hameed
The ISPR stated that Lt Gen Faiz Hameed has been formally arraigned on charges of engaging in political activities, violations of the Official Secrets Act detrimental to the safety and interests of the state, misuse of authority and government resources, and causing wrongful loss to a person(s). In addition to these charges, a separate investigation is also underway to examine his alleged involvement in incidents contributing to political unrest in the country, particularly events surrounding the disturbances of May 9, 2023.
Detailed Breakdown of the Charges
Engaging in Political Activities
The ISPR revealed that during the court martial proceedings, Lt Gen Faiz Hameed was formally indicted on charges of engaging in political activities. This is considered a serious violation under the Pakistan Army Act, which prohibits serving and retired military personnel from participating in political activities.
Violations of the Official Secrets Act
Lt Gen Faiz Hameed is also charged with violations of the Official Secrets Act. These violations are deemed detrimental to the safety and interests of the state, raising concerns about the potential compromise of sensitive information.
Misuse of Authority and Government Resources
Another significant charge against Lt Gen Faiz Hameed is the misuse of authority and government resources. This charge indicates that he may have used his official position and state resources for personal or political gain, which is a serious breach of military conduct and ethics.
Causing Wrongful Loss
The ISPR also accused Lt Gen Faiz Hameed of causing wrongful loss to individuals. This charge highlights the potential financial or personal harm inflicted on others due to his alleged misuse of power.
Separate Investigation into Political Unrest
May 9, 2023, Incident
In addition to the formal charges, the ISPR mentioned that a separate investigation is underway to examine Lt Gen Faiz Hameed’s alleged involvement in creating political agitation and unrest. This investigation particularly focuses on the events of May 9, 2023, and seeks to determine whether he played a role in fomenting instability at the behest of political interests.
Legal Rights and Proceedings
The ISPR emphasized that Lt Gen Faiz Hameed is being afforded all legal rights as per the law during the court martial proceedings. This ensures that the legal process is conducted fairly and transparently.
Background of the Charges
High-Level Inquiry
In April this year, the army constituted a high-level inquiry committee headed by a major general to look into the allegations against Gen Faiz. The inquiry was ordered pursuant to the directives of the Supreme Court and the Ministry of Defence.
Detention and Court Martial
On August 12, Lt Gen Faiz Hameed was detained by military authorities, and court martial proceedings were initiated against him on charges of corruption. This marked the beginning of a comprehensive legal process to address the allegations.
Specific Allegations and Legal Actions
Petition Filed by Moeez Ahmed Khan
On November 8, 2023, Moeez Ahmed Khan, the owner of Top City, filed a petition in the Supreme Court accusing Gen Faiz of misusing his authority. The petition stated that on May 12, 2017, ISI officials raided the Top City office and his house on Gen Faiz’s behest, seizing valuables including gold, diamonds, and money.
Allegations of Extortion
The petition further alleged that ISI officials extorted Rs4 crore cash from them. This serious accusation of extortion added another layer of complexity to the charges against Gen Faiz.
Supreme Court’s Response
Considering the sensitivity of the matter, a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court, including then Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Qazi Faiz Isa, Justice Athar Minallah, and Justice Aminuddin, heard the case. The Supreme Court observed that the serious nature of the allegations could damage the image of the entire institution, hence the matter could not be ignored.
Assurance of Legal Action
The Attorney General for Pakistan assured the Supreme Judiciary that full cooperation would be given to the matter and that action would be taken according to the law. This assurance underscored the importance of addressing the allegations thoroughly and transparently.
Who is Gen Faiz Hameed?
Background and Career
Gen Faiz Hameed was considered one of the most powerful ISI chiefs in Pakistan’s history. Before becoming the head of the spy agency, he served as DG-C in the ISI, one of the most influential positions within the intelligence service.
Public Persona
Unlike other spymasters, Gen Faiz remained in the headlines as he never shied away from publicity. He rose to global spotlight when he was seen drinking tea at a hotel in Kabul soon after the fall of Kabul to the Afghan Taliban in August 2021.
Connection with Imran Khan
Gen Faiz was considered close to former Prime Minister Imran Khan. His proximity to the PTI leader was believed to be one of the major reasons for the civil-military tussle at the time. Khan wanted to continue with Gen Faiz as head of ISI, but then Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa was adamant about replacing him. Gen Bajwa eventually succeeded, but Khan could only serve a few more months in office before being removed from power through a vote of no-confidence.
Impact of the Charges on the Military and Political Landscape
Institutional Integrity
The charges against Lt Gen Faiz Hameed and the ongoing court martial proceedings have significant implications for the integrity of the military institution. Addressing these allegations transparently is crucial to maintaining the public’s trust in the military.
Political Implications
The allegations of engaging in political activities and causing political unrest have far-reaching implications for the political landscape of Pakistan. It underscores the need for a clear demarcation between military and political domains to ensure stability and governance.
Conclusion
The formal arraignment of former ISI chief Lt Gen Faiz Hameed on multiple charges, including engaging in political activities, marks a significant development in Pakistan’s military and political history. The ongoing court martial proceedings and separate investigations highlight the importance of accountability and transparency within the military institution. As the legal process unfolds, it remains crucial to uphold the principles of justice and fairness to maintain public trust and institutional integrity.
FAQs
1. What are the main charges against Lt Gen Faiz Hameed?
Lt Gen Faiz Hameed has been charged with engaging in political activities, violating the Official Secrets Act, misusing authority and government resources, and causing wrongful loss to individuals.
2. What prompted the high-level inquiry into Lt Gen Faiz Hameed’s actions?
The high-level inquiry was prompted by allegations of corruption and misuse of authority, as well as directives from the Supreme Court and the Ministry of Defence.
3. How is Lt Gen Faiz Hameed being treated during the legal proceedings?
Lt Gen Faiz Hameed is being afforded all legal rights as per the law during the court martial proceedings to ensure a fair and transparent process.
4. What impact do these charges have on the military institution?
The charges and ongoing legal proceedings have significant implications for the integrity of the military institution, highlighting the importance of accountability and transparency.
5. What is the background of the petition filed by Moeez Ahmed Khan?
The petition filed by Moeez Ahmed Khan alleges that ISI officials, on Gen Faiz’s behest, raided his office and house, seizing valuables and extorting cash. This petition brought serious allegations of misuse of authority and corruption against Gen Faiz.
