ISLAMABAD: Former ISI chief Lt Gen (Retd) Faiz Hamid is being investigated for his alleged political activities and violations of military rules. Reports suggest he maintained contact with around 50 politicians, most of whom were linked to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). The nature of his connections, both direct and indirect, with PTI’s jailed founder, Imran Khan, is also under scrutiny.
Sources revealed that the Army Act prohibits Hamid from any political involvement for five years after his retirement. This restriction was initially two years but was extended through a 2023 amendment. The change specifically targets those who held sensitive positions, barring them from political engagements during the defined period.
On Tuesday, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) issued a statement confirming that the former ISI chief Faiz Hamid has been formally charged with multiple offences. These include engaging in political activities, violating the Official Secrets Act, misusing authority, and causing financial harm to others. The military’s media wing highlighted that these actions have jeopardized national security and state interests.
The ISPR also stated that Hamid’s alleged role in inciting unrest, including the May 9 riots, is under investigation. It accused him of collaborating with political entities to create instability. “Lt Gen Faiz Hamid (Retd) is being afforded all legal rights according to the law,” the statement read.
Reports indicate that the former ISI chief remained in contact with Khan even after May 9 and following the PTI leader’s arrest. Investigators are probing these connections, which allegedly involved a “jail network” and other intermediaries. Sources claim Hamid was repeatedly warned by military authorities about his controversial post-retirement activities but failed to stop.
Khan, however, has distanced himself from Hamid’s arrest. After meeting his legal team at Adiala Jail, the former prime minister called the arrest an internal military matter. Senior lawyer Intizar Panjutha quoted Khan as saying, “Imran Khan had no political link with General Faiz. It was General Bajwa who made a deal with Nawaz Sharif and replaced General Faiz.”
Panjutha added that Khan viewed Hamid’s arrest as a chance to investigate May 9 events further. He suggested forming a judicial commission and using CCTV footage from the day to uncover the truth.
The charges against former ISI chief Faiz Hamid remain serious. His alleged involvement in political activities, breaches of national security, and unrest has brought intense scrutiny. The investigations are expected to shed more light on his actions and their implications for the country.
