UPDATE - In 1st, Pakistan army arrests former intel chief, initiates court martial proceedings

UPDATES WITH MORE DETAILS; REVISES HEADLINE, LEDE

By Aamir Latif

KARACHI, Pakistan (AA) - The Pakistani military on Monday announced that former head of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Lt. Gen. (retd) Faiz Hameed has been taken into custody and court martial proceedings has been initiated against him.

This is the first time that a former ISI chief has been arrested in the country's 77-year history.

“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 army’s media wing said in a statement.

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

The owner of the society last November approached the country’s Supreme Court, seeking action against Hameed, however, the judges instructed him to approach the "appropriate forums,” via the Defense Ministry and the army.

“Multiple instances of violation of Pakistan Army Act post retirement have also been established. The process of field general court martial has been initiated,” the army statement said, without elaborating the alleged instances of violation of the Army Act.

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.

Hameed had opted for early retirement following the appointment of incumbent army chief Gen. Asim Munir in November 2022.