Islamabad, August 16, 2024 – Jailed former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has expressed his support for the military’s internal accountability process concerning Lt Gen (Retd) Faiz Hameed, the former director general of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Hameed, who led the ISI from 2019 to 2021, was arrested on August 12 over allegations related to the misuse of his official authority in the Top City case.
Speaking informally to journalists from Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi after a court hearing, Khan emphasized the importance of investigating any involvement of Hameed in the May 9 protests, as suggested by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif. Khan’s remarks mark a notable shift in his stance toward Hameed, with whom he had previously had a strained relationship following the latter’s controversial court martial.
Khan welcomed the ongoing internal accountability measures initiated by the military, advocating for comprehensive and fair action. Hameed’s tenure as ISI chief was marked by significant influence and power, particularly as he replaced Lt Gen Asim Munir, who was removed under Khan’s government.
The controversy surrounding Hameed intensified when Moeez Ahmed Khan, the owner of Top City, lodged a petition with the Supreme Court in November 2023. The petition alleged that Hameed’s involvement led to the illegal seizure of valuables and extortion of cash amounting to Rs 4 crore by ISI officials.
The Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice Qazi Faiz Isa, along with Justices Attar Minullah and Aminuddin, decided to refer the case to the Ministry of Defence for a thorough investigation. In response, the army established a high-level inquiry committee in April 2024, headed by a major general.
Hameed, who retired prematurely in November 2022, was previously seen as a close ally of former Army Chief Gen Qamar Bajwa. His role as ISI chief has been pivotal in Pakistan’s security and foreign policy landscape, highlighting the significance of the ongoing inquiry and its implications for the military and political spheres in Pakistan.
