Pakistan army arrests ex-spy agency chief, initiates court martial

By Aamir Latif

KARACHI, Pakistan (AA) – Pakistan’s former spy chief, Lieutenant General (retd) Faiz Hameed, was taken into custody on Monday, and the army announced that the process of his court martial has begun.

Hameed, who served as the head of the powerful Inter-Services Intelligence, or ISI, from June 2019 to Oct. 2021, has been taken into custody to comply with a Supreme Court order seeking a thorough investigation into his alleged involvement in a land scam, the Pakistan Army's media wing said in a statement.

“Complying with the orders of Supreme Court of Pakistan, a detailed court of inquiry, was undertaken by Pakistan Army, to ascertain correctness of complaints in Top City (land) Case made against Lt Gen Faiz Hameed (Retd). Consequently, appropriate disciplinary action has been initiated against Lt Gen Faiz Hameed (Retd), under provisions of Pakistan Army Act,” the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a brief statement.

Top City, a private housing society, accused the former ISI chief of orchestrating an illegal raid on its owner's offices and residence.

“In addition, multiple instances of violation of Pakistan Army Act post retirement have also been established. The process of Field General Court Martial has been initiated and Lt Gen Faiz Hameed (Retd) has been taken into military custody,” it added.

Hameed was removed from his position several months before the end of his three-year term, and months before a successful no-trust motion in the parliament against imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan in April 2022.