Karachi, August 12, 2024 – Big news from the Pakistan Army: they have started court martial proceedings against retired Lieutenant General Faiz Hameed, who was the former head of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). This comes after serious allegations of corruption, misuse of authority, and breaking the Pakistan Army Act, all related to the well-known Top City housing scheme scandal
Background and Allegations
Lt Gen Faiz Hameed, who led the ISI from 2019 to 2021, has been a controversial figure in Pakistan's politics and military. During his time, there were major events, including the unexpected removal of his predecessor, Lieutenant General Asim Munir, which was reportedly influenced by then-Prime Minister Imran Khan4. Hameed's name came up again in November 2022 as a candidate for top military roles4.
The Top City case is making headlines now because it involves allegations of serious misuse of power. In 2017, ISI officials are said to have raided the office and home of Moeez Ahmed Khan, who owns the Top City housing project, seizing valuable items under the guise of a terrorism investigation. Khan later went to the Supreme Court, accusing Hameed of keeping a lot of the seized items and pressuring him for money5.
Military Custody and Court Martial
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has confirmed that Hameed is now in military custody as the Field General Court Martial proceedings begin1. This is a major step and shows how serious the allegations are, reflecting on the reputation of Pakistan's military and intelligence services.
Implications and Reactions
It's rare and significant for a former ISI chief to face a court martial in Pakistan. This event shows the military's commitment to accountability and transparency, even at the highest levels. People will be watching closely, given Hameed's important role in the country's security and his controversial background.
As the case continues, it will be important to see how it affects Pakistan's military and political scene and what it means for governance and the rule of law in the country.