Lt. Gen. Faiz Hameed is a retired Pakistani Army officer who served as the Director General of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Pakistan’s premier intelligence agency, from 2019 to 2021. Known for his controversial role in political and military affairs, he is currently under court-martial and investigation for allegedly engaging in political activities, violating the Official Secrets Act, and misusing his authority.

Faiz Hameed Wiki, biography, life, army career and controversies

Personal biography

Career Overview

Faiz Hameed joined the Pakistan Army in 1987 and quickly rose through the ranks, gaining recognition for his operational and strategic expertise. His career trajectory changed significantly when he became part of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), where he held various key roles, including heading its counter-intelligence wing.

Role in Faizabad Sit-in (2017)

Hameed first rose to prominence during the 2017 Faizabad sit-in, a 21-day protest by Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) that brought Islamabad to a standstill. As a Major General at the time, he facilitated a controversial agreement between the government and TLP to end the sit-in. The deal explicitly mentioned that it was brokered “via Major General Faiz Hameed.”

Appointment as ISI Chief (2019)

In 2019, Faiz Hameed was appointed as the Director General of ISI by then Prime Minister Imran Khan. His tenure as ISI chief was marked by allegations of political interference, including claims of facilitating Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in parliamentary matters and targeting political rivals.

Kabul Visit and Regional Influence

In August 2021, his picture sipping tea at a hotel in Kabul went viral, symbolizing Pakistan’s influence in Afghanistan following the Taliban’s takeover. The visit focused on regional security, evacuation of foreign nationals, and border management.

Role in the Army

Lieutenant General (Retd.) Faiz Hameed’s career in the Pakistan Army spanned decades, during which he held several pivotal roles, rising through the ranks to become one of the most influential figures in the military. Known for his strategic acumen and operational expertise, Hameed played a critical part in shaping Pakistan’s military policies, particularly in the areas of counter-insurgency and national security.

Key Positions Held

1. Command and Leadership Roles:
   • Hameed began his career as a commissioned officer in the Pakistan Army, serving in various capacities that emphasized his leadership abilities.
   • Over the years, he commanded infantry units in different regions, gaining experience in operational planning and execution.
2. Director of Internal Security:
   • Before attaining national prominence, Hameed served in roles directly tied to Pakistan’s internal security challenges, overseeing operations against terrorism and insurgency in conflict-prone areas such as Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
   • His work during this period earned him recognition for effectively countering threats to Pakistan’s stability.
3. Key Role in Intelligence Operations:
   • Hameed held strategic intelligence roles before being elevated to leadership positions, which laid the groundwork for his later role in the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
   • His understanding of both domestic and regional dynamics was instrumental in coordinating intelligence-based operations.
4. Military Doctrine and Policy:
   • As he ascended the ranks, Hameed contributed to the development of operational strategies and military doctrines. His work influenced Pakistan’s defense policies, especially in counter-terrorism and intelligence-sharing initiatives.

Role as Director-General of ISI

In June 2019, Lt. Gen. Faiz Hameed was appointed as the Director-General of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Pakistan’s premier intelligence agency. His tenure was marked by high-stakes diplomacy, regional security challenges, and allegations of political interference.

Regional Security and Counterterrorism

• Afghanistan:
  • Hameed played a crucial role in navigating Pakistan’s response to the changing dynamics in Afghanistan, particularly during the U.S. withdrawal in 2021. His visit to Kabul following the Taliban takeover underscored Pakistan’s influence in the region and the importance of ISI in shaping foreign policy.
  • He facilitated intelligence-sharing between Pakistan and international stakeholders to address mutual security concerns, including terrorism and border management.
• Counterterrorism Operations:
  • Under his leadership, ISI intensified efforts against domestic and transnational terrorist networks, contributing to Pakistan’s broader counterterrorism strategy.

Diplomatic and Strategic Initiatives

• Hameed’s role extended beyond traditional intelligence functions, as he often acted as a behind-the-scenes negotiator in regional disputes. His involvement in fostering dialogue between various stakeholders in Afghanistan and other countries highlighted the ISI’s critical role in Pakistan’s foreign policy.

Controversies During His Tenure

1. Political Allegations:
   • Hameed’s tenure as ISI chief was marred by allegations of political interference, including accusations of influencing national politics and manipulating election outcomes. Critics argued that his actions blurred the line between military and civilian domains.
   • His alleged role in supporting specific political factions made him a polarizing figure in the public eye.
2. May 9, 2023, Riots:
   • Post-retirement, his alleged involvement in the riots further cast a shadow on his legacy, linking his time at ISI to broader accusations of political maneuvering.

Operational Legacy

• Despite controversies, Faiz Hameed is credited with modernizing certain aspects of the ISI, particularly in the realm of cyber intelligence and surveillance. His tenure saw the agency adapt to emerging security challenges in a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape.

Transition from ISI

Following his tenure as ISI chief, Hameed was transferred to a Corps Commander position, signaling the culmination of his direct involvement in intelligence operations. This move was widely seen as a routine reshuffle, but it also marked the end of a controversial yet impactful period in Pakistan’s intelligence apparatus. His eventual retirement from the military in 2022 brought a formal end to his career, though his influence and actions during his service remain subjects of debate.

Controversies and Allegations

• Political Interference: He was accused of supporting PTI in passing key bills and influencing court proceedings. Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif repeatedly blamed Hameed for orchestrating his political ouster.
• May 9, 2023 Riots: The military is investigating his alleged role in inciting violence during protests following the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan.
• Violations of Oath: In 2019, Pakistan’s Supreme Court directed action against military officers, including Hameed, for their political involvement during the Faizabad sit-in.

Court Martial Indictment

Former ISI chief Lieutenant General (retd) Faiz Hameed has been formally charged in a court martial under the Pakistan Army Act. The charges against him include engaging in political activities, violating the Official Secrets Act, abusing his authority, and causing significant financial losses to the state. These allegations are considered a grave breach of military discipline and national security protocols.

Key Allegations

1. Engagement in Political Activities: Faiz Hameed is accused of participating in political maneuvers and activities, which is strictly prohibited under military conduct rules. His involvement allegedly disrupted the apolitical stance of the armed forces.
2. Violation of the Official Secrets Act: Hameed is charged with compromising classified information, which could jeopardize national security. Specific details regarding these violations have not been disclosed due to the sensitive nature of the case.
3. Abuse of Authority: The former general is accused of exploiting his official position for personal and political gains, an act deemed contrary to the principles of military ethics.
4. Financial Losses: The court martial indictment includes allegations that Hameed’s misuse of resources caused substantial financial damage to state institutions.
5. Role in May 9 Riots: Hameed is implicated in the events surrounding the May 9, 2023, riots, which involved widespread violence and damage to public property. His alleged actions during this period have been cited as a violation of military and civil responsibilities.

Proceedings Under the Pakistan Army Act

The trial commenced on August 12, 2024, under the provisions of the Pakistan Army Act. The Field General Court Martial (FGCM) is handling the case, with proceedings aimed at ensuring a thorough examination of evidence and testimonies.