Ex-ISI Chief Faiz Hameed ‘formally charged in court martial’ over political activities and misuse of power
Lieutenant General (retd) Faiz Hameed, a former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief and one of Pakistan’s most influential spymasters, has been formally charged with multiple serious offenses in an ongoing field general court-martial (FGCM). The proceedings, initiated under the Pakistan Army Act on August 12, 2024, come amidst allegations of engaging in political activities, violating the Official Secrets Act, abuse of authority, and causing financial losses to individuals.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed that Faiz Hameed is accused of actions detrimental to state security, including fostering political unrest and colluding with vested political interests. Notably, his alleged involvement in the May 9, 2023, riots, which followed the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan, is under separate investigation. The violent protests saw vandalism of public and military installations, prompting the prosecution of rioters under the Army Act.
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Hameed is also facing scrutiny for post-retirement violations of the Pakistan Army Act and misuse of government resources. His actions have been described as compromising national security and stability, according to the ISPR statement.
Charges Against Lt Gen (Retd) Faiz Hameed:
- Engaging in Political Activities: Allegedly participated in political events and actions, contrary to the Pakistan Army Act.
- Corruption and Abuse of Authority: Accused of misusing his position and authority for personal and political gains.
- Misuse of Government Resources: Alleged involvement in using government assets for unauthorized purposes.
- Violation of the Official Secrets Act: Actions deemed detrimental to state safety and security.
- Role in May 9, 2023, Unrest: Alleged involvement in inciting political unrest and instability, in collaboration with political interests.
- Top City Housing Society Allegations:
- Directed a raid on the office and residence of the housing society’s owner in 2017.
- Allegedly ordered the seizure of valuables, including gold, diamonds, and cash, during the raid.
- Accused of extorting Rs. 4 crore from the housing society’s owner.
- Alleged personal involvement in resolving the issue, with partial assurances for the return of seized items but withholding substantial valuables.
- Post-Retirement Violations: Multiple allegations of violating the Pakistan Army Act after retirement.
- Supreme Court Directives: The Supreme Court, recognizing the gravity of the allegations, ordered a detailed inquiry and directed the Attorney General to ensure appropriate legal actions.
These charges, if proven, highlight severe misconduct with implications for institutional credibility and national security.
Housing Society Case
One of the central allegations against Hameed stems from the “Top City” housing society case. In November 2023, Moeez Ahmed Khan, the housing society’s owner, filed a petition in the Supreme Court, accusing Hameed of orchestrating a raid on his office and residence in 2017. The petitioner alleged that ISI officials, acting on Hameed’s orders, seized gold, diamonds, and cash during the raid.
The petition further claimed that Hameed personally met with the complainant to resolve the matter, assuring partial restitution of seized items while stating that 400 tolas of gold and Rs. 4 crore in cash would not be returned. The Supreme Court, led by then Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, described the allegations as highly sensitive and damaging to the institution’s credibility.
Court Martial Proceedings and Arrest
The military initiated a detailed inquiry into the allegations earlier this year, following directives from the Supreme Court and the Ministry of Defence. A high-level committee headed by a major general was tasked with probing Hameed’s conduct. In April 2024, Hameed was detained, and court-martial proceedings began based on findings from the inquiry.
In addition, Hameed’s brother, retired naib tehsildar Najaf Hameed, was implicated in the case and remanded to custody on charges of acquiring properties through illicit means.
Faizabad Sit-In and Political Allegations
Hameed’s tenure as ISI chief was marked by controversies, including allegations of political interference. His name surfaced during the 2017 Faizabad sit-in by the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), an event criticized for its handling by the ISI and other state institutions. While a commission absolved Hameed of direct involvement, the episode highlighted systemic shortcomings and raised questions about his role in political affairs.
His close ties to former Prime Minister Imran Khan further fueled suspicions of political favoritism. Reports suggest that his association with Khan contributed to tensions within the military leadership, particularly during General Qamar Javed Bajwa’s tenure as army chief.
Public Image and Legacy
Hameed’s high-profile career included a stint as DG-C within the ISI, regarded as one of the agency’s most powerful positions. Unlike other spymasters, he frequently attracted public attention, most notably during his visit to Kabul in 2021 following the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan.
While his supporters viewed him as a strategic asset to Pakistan, critics argued that his political leanings and actions undermined institutional neutrality.
Legal and Institutional Response
The ISPR has emphasized that Faiz Hameed is being afforded all legal rights as per the law, ensuring a fair trial under military court protocols. Brigadier (retd) Rashid Wali described the charges as severe, stating that Hameed retains the right to appeal any verdict rendered by the military court.
The Supreme Court, in its deliberations on the case, underscored the need for accountability to preserve the credibility of national institutions. The Attorney General assured the court of full cooperation in pursuing the matter.
Who is Gen Faiz?
Lieutenant General (retd) Faiz Hameed is regarded as one of the most influential ISI chiefs in Pakistan’s history. Prior to leading the intelligence agency, he held the pivotal position of DG-C within the ISI, which is considered one of the most powerful roles in the organization.
Unlike his predecessors, Gen Faiz often remained in the public eye, a rarity for someone in his position. He garnered international attention in August 2021 when he was photographed drinking tea at a Kabul hotel shortly after the Afghan Taliban’s takeover of the city, a moment that symbolized Pakistan’s strategic involvement in the region.
Gen Faiz was known for his close ties to former Prime Minister Imran Khan, a relationship that reportedly fueled civil-military tensions during that period. Imran Khan favored retaining him as the head of ISI, but then-Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa insisted on his replacement. This disagreement was seen as a major point of contention within the civil-military dynamic. Gen Bajwa ultimately prevailed, and Gen Faiz was reassigned, a move that preceded Khan’s ousting through a vote of no confidence in 2022.
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