August 13th 2024.
Pakistan's ruling coalition was pleased with the arrest of former ISI chief Lt Gen Faiz Hameed, who was accused of involvement in a housing scheme scandal. However, the party of jailed former premier Imran Khan took a more neutral stance, referring to the arrest as an internal matter of the army.
Hameed had served as the director general of Inter-Services Intelligence from 2019 to 2021, during Khan's term as prime minister. He was accused of interfering in political affairs at the behest of Khan. Following an investigation, Hameed was arrested by military authorities on Monday and court martial proceedings were initiated against him for alleged misuse of authority. This came after complaints were filed against him by the owner of Top City Housing Society, who claimed that Hameed had raided his house.
Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, the chairman of Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, stated that the military's actions were "internal" and that the army has its own procedures for dealing with both serving and retired officers. He emphasized that the army is a disciplined and organized institution. On the other hand, members of the ruling party, including Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and Senator Irfan Siddiqui, were more open in their views, with Tarar describing the arrest as a "right decision."
Senator Siddiqui pointed out that the military had only made a brief announcement about Hameed's arrest and that further investigation would reveal his involvement in political meddling. He also quoted Khan as saying that Hameed had supported their party in Parliament by getting legislation passed and ensuring enough members were present in the National Assembly. Siddiqui claimed that Hameed had also played a role in the general elections by supporting the PTI.
Senior PML-N leader Rana Sanaullah alleged that Hameed had meddled in politics and had even orchestrated a sit-in by a religious group in the capital city, causing major disruptions for weeks. He stated that Hameed's actions were in violation of the Supreme Court's order in a private housing scheme case, in which the owner had accused Hameed of misusing his authority. The owner claimed that ISI officials had raided his office and house at Hameed's behest, seizing valuables such as gold, diamonds, and money.
PPP leader Qamar Zaman Kaira commended the military's internal accountability system and stated that an inquiry had confirmed multiple violations by Hameed, leading to the disciplinary proceedings against him. He also pointed out that the army's decision to take action against a high-ranking officer showed the severity of the offenses committed. Meanwhile, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif told Geo News that Hameed had a more "direct" role in events since his retirement and may have played a part in the nationwide riots that broke out on Khan's arrest last year.
Asif also mentioned that Hameed's retirement had caused tension between him and Khan, who was reportedly not happy with Hameed's replacement as ISI chief. The complaint against Hameed was filed by the owner of a private housing society, and Senator Faisal Vawda, considered close to the army, predicted that Khan would face a tough time following Hameed's arrest. Vawda praised the court martial proceedings against Hameed, calling it a step in the right direction and signaling the beginning of a larger reckoning. He also stated that Khan will be humbled in the coming days and that many others, including members of the PTI, will face consequences.
Khan had been arrested in August last year after being convicted in a corruption case. He has remained in jail since then.
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