Pakistan Army Arrests Former ISI Chief Faiz Hameed, Initiates Court Martial Proceedings

Islamabad: In a shocking development, the Pakistan Army has arrested former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief Lt Gen (retd.) Faiz Hameed and initiated court martial proceedings against him. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a housing scheme scandal known as the Top City case.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced that following a Supreme Court order, a thorough investigation was conducted into complaints against Hameed. As a result, disciplinary action has been initiated under the Pakistan Army Act. The former spy chief now faces a Field General Court Martial and has been taken into military custody.

Hameed, who led the ISI from 2019 to 2021, was considered a powerful figure during his tenure. His appointment came after the premature removal of the current Army chief, Lt Gen Asim Munir, from the same position. Reports suggest this move was influenced by then-Prime Minister Imran Khan’s dissatisfaction with Munir.

The Top City case gained prominence when Moeez Ahmed Khan, the owner of Top City, filed a petition in the Supreme Court in November 2023. Khan accused Hameed of abusing his authority, alleging that ISI officials raided his property and extorted significant sums of money and valuables.

A three-judge Supreme Court bench, led by Chief Justice Qazi Faiz Isa, referred the case to the Ministry of Defence for investigation. In April, the army formed a high-level inquiry committee to examine the allegations.

Hameed’s premature retirement in November 2022, shortly after the current army chief took office, raised eyebrows in political circles. His close association with former Army chief Gen Qamar Bajwa added to the intrigue surrounding his departure.