The Pakistani military has announced the arrest of former intelligence chief, Lieutenant General Faiz Hameed, marking a significant development in the country’s ongoing efforts to address internal military issues.
The arrest, which was made public on Monday, is the latest in a series of actions targeting senior military officials.
According to a statement from the Pakistani military, Hameed was taken into custody following an order from the Supreme Court of Pakistan.
The charges against him include involvement in a controversial land development project and multiple violations of the Pakistan Army Act after his retirement.
The military has initiated proceedings for a court-martial, underscoring the seriousness of the accusations.
Lieutenant General Faiz Hameed served as the Director-General of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Pakistan’s premier intelligence agency, from 2019 to 2021.
His tenure was marked by significant involvement in both domestic and regional affairs, particularly concerning Afghanistan.
Hameed’s leadership of the ISI placed him at the center of some of Pakistan’s most sensitive and critical operations.
After his retirement, Hameed remained a prominent figure, often associated with political and military controversies in Pakistan.
His arrest is part of a broader crackdown within the military ranks, aimed at addressing corruption and enforcing discipline. This move is also seen as an effort by the current military leadership to distance itself from figures associated with past controversies.
The arrest and impending military trial of such a high-profile figure are rare in Pakistan, where the military wields significant power and influence. The case is expected to draw considerable attention both domestically and internationally, given the implications it may have for civil-military relations in the country.
