isi-s-faiz-hameed-faces-court-martial-over-housing-scandal

Former head of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), retired Lieutenant General Faiz Hameed has been taken into military custody, marking the beginning of a court martial process. 

 

The court martial, initiated over Hameed's alleged involvement in the Top City housing scheme scandal, is a first in the nation's history where such legal action has been taken against a former intelligence chief.

 

The ISPR, the media wing of Pakistan’s military, issued a press release confirming the development on Monday, stating that the court martial follows a comprehensive court of inquiry conducted by the Pakistan Army. 

 

The inquiry was mandated by the Supreme Court of Pakistan to verify the validity of the complaints lodged against Lt Gen Faiz Hameed regarding his involvement in the controversial housing scheme.

 

Supreme Court mandates inquiry

 

The Supreme Court's order, issued in November 2023, played a pivotal role in triggering the inquiry. The apex court had directed that the allegations against the former spymaster, which were of a "serious nature," could not be ignored, given their potential to damage the reputation of the country's institutions.

 

The court's directive highlighted the necessity of investigating these claims to maintain the integrity of Pakistan's armed forces and intelligence agencies.

 

According to the ISPR, the inquiry uncovered multiple violations of the Pakistan Army Act by Faiz Hameed, both during his service and post-retirement.

 

As a result, the military initiated the process of a Field General Court Martial, placing Hameed under military custody pending further proceedings.

 

The allegations: Top City housing scheme

 

The controversy centers around the Top City housing scheme, a private real estate project in which Hameed is alleged to have played a significant role. The scheme, located near Islamabad, has been marred by allegations of corruption, misuse of authority, and illegal financial gains.

 

The management of Top City accused Hameed of orchestrating a raid on the offices and residence of Moeez Khan, the owner of the housing scheme, in a bid to seize valuable assets.

 

The petition filed by Moeez Khan in the Supreme Court detailed the events of the raid, claiming that ISI personnel, under Hameed's directive, took away gold, diamond ornaments, and cash from his residence.

 

Khan further alleged that Hameed's brother, Sardar Najaf, acted as an intermediary, attempting to resolve the issue by offering to return some of the seized items in exchange for a substantial payment.

 

Khan's petition also implicated other former ISI officials in the illegal activities associated with the housing scheme, including retired brigadiers Naeem Fakhar, Ghaffar, and several others.

 

The accusations extended to demands for cash payments and sponsorship of a private television network as part of a broader scheme of corruption.

 

Military's response and self-accountability

 

The Pakistan Army's decision to court martial Hameed is being viewed as a significant step towards self-accountability within the military ranks.

 

The formation of the inquiry committee in April 2024, led by a serving major general, was seen as a move to demonstrate the military's commitment to upholding the rule of law, even when it involves one of its former top officials.

 

The committee's investigation, which was conducted in response to the Supreme Court's directive, aimed to thoroughly examine the allegations against Hameed.

 

The inquiry's findings have now paved the way for the court martial, a process that will be closely watched both within Pakistan and internationally.

Government's Reaction

 

The federal government has expressed its support for the military's actions, with Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah describing the development as a "very unusual event" and a testament to the military's system of accountability. Sanaullah noted that the decision to court martial a former ISI chief was unprecedented and would likely enhance the military's reputation for enforcing discipline and integrity within its ranks.

 

Sanaullah also hinted that the inquiry into Hameed's activities might extend beyond the Top City scandal, suggesting that other undisclosed affairs could have influenced the decision to take such stringent action against him.

 

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, in a televised interview, echoed these sentiments, stating that Hameed had been involved in various political events since his retirement. Asif implied that Hameed's continued interference in political matters may have contributed to the military's decision to initiate court martial proceedings.

 

Political and public impact

 

The court martial of Faiz Hameed is likely to have far-reaching implications for Pakistan's political landscape. Hameed, who served as ISI chief from June 2019 to October 2021, was a key figure in several controversial events during his tenure.

 

His name was often associated with political maneuvering, particularly during the tenure of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

 

Hameed's involvement in the Faizabad dharna, a protest led by the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan in November 2017, first brought him into the public eye. The Supreme Court later criticised the role of intelligence agencies, including the ISI, in the protest, warning them not to exceed their mandates.

 

This incident marked the beginning of Hameed's controversial public image, which continued to be shaped by his actions in subsequent years.

 

Hameed's role in the delayed appointment of Lt Gen Nadeem Anjum as ISI chief in 2021 further fueled speculation about his influence within the military and his connections with political leaders.

 

The standoff between the military and the PTI government over the appointment led to widespread rumors of a rift between civilian and military leadership.

 

Broader implications for the military

 

The court martial of a former ISI chief also raises questions about the broader implications for Pakistan's military and intelligence apparatus.

 

The move could signal a shift towards greater transparency and accountability within the military, particularly concerning the actions of senior officers.

 

The military's decision to hold Hameed accountable is likely to be scrutinized by both supporters and critics.

 

While some may view it as a positive step towards cleaning up the ranks and ensuring that no one is above the law, others may question the timing and motivations behind the move, especially given Hameed's high-profile status.

 

Legal and procedural aspects

 

The court martial process itself is expected to be rigorous, with the military adhering to the provisions of the Pakistan Army Act. The proceedings will likely involve detailed examination of evidence, witness testimonies, and legal arguments from both the prosecution and defense.

 

Given the gravity of the allegations and the high-profile nature of the accused, the court martial is expected to be conducted with a high degree of seriousness.

 

The outcome of the proceedings will not only determine Hameed's fate but could also set a precedent for how the military handles cases of alleged misconduct by its top officials in the future.

 

Future of military-civil relations

 

The case of Faiz Hameed also brings to the forefront the complex relationship between Pakistan's military and civilian leadership. Hameed's involvement in political affairs, both during and after his tenure as ISI chief, has been a source of controversy and has raised concerns about the military's influence in the country's political sphere.

 

The court martial may be seen as an attempt by the military to distance itself from such controversies and reaffirm its commitment to staying out of political matters. However, the extent to which this move will impact civil-military relations remains to be seen.

 

The court martial of Faiz Hameed represents a significant moment in Pakistan's history, marking the first time a former ISI chief has faced such legal proceedings.

 

The case has brought issues of military accountability, political interference, and legal justice to the forefront, raising important questions about the future direction of Pakistan's military and its role in the country's governance.

 

As the court martial process unfolds, it will be closely watched by political analysts, legal experts, and the public, all of whom will be eager to see how this unprecedented case is handled and what implications it will have for the future of Pakistan's military and intelligence agencies.