Pakistan Army Takes Ex-ISI Chief Faiz Hameed into Custody Ahead of Court Martial for Alleged Misconduct in Top City Case
In a rare and significant development within Pakistan’s military circles, Lt. General (retd) Faiz Hameed, the former Director General of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), has been taken into custody by the Pakistan Army. This move comes as court martial proceedings are set to begin against him, marking an unprecedented step against a figure once considered one of the most powerful in the country.
The charges against Faiz Hameed stem from his alleged involvement in the Top City Housing Society case, a high-profile legal battle that has garnered significant attention. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Pakistan Army initiated a detailed inquiry into Hameed’s actions following directives from the Supreme Court of Pakistan. The inquiry found that Hameed, during his tenure as ISI chief, allegedly misused his authority to exert influence in the Top City case.
The ISPR’s statement highlighted that the former ISI chief is also being probed for multiple violations of the Pakistan Army Act after his retirement. These violations have prompted the initiation of a Field General Court Martial, a severe disciplinary measure reserved for cases of significant misconduct within the military.
The Top City case, which has now led to Hameed’s fall from grace, began when Moeez Ahmed Khan, the owner of the housing society, filed a petition in the Supreme Court. The petition, submitted in November 2023, accused Faiz Hameed of orchestrating a raid on his house through ISI officials, during which large amounts of gold, diamonds, and cash were allegedly seized. Khan claimed that this raid was conducted at the behest of Hameed, who was then the ISI chief.
The Supreme Court, taking serious note of these allegations, ordered the Attorney General to engage with relevant authorities, leading to the military’s inquiry into Hameed’s conduct. The ISPR has confirmed that, following the inquiry, the Pakistan Army found sufficient evidence to initiate disciplinary action under the Pakistan Army Act.
Faiz Hameed’s career has been marked by controversy and influence. He played a pivotal role in several key events, including the Faizabad dharna and efforts to secure an extension for former Army Chief General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa. Hameed’s proximity to former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his ambitions to become the Army chief have long made him a central figure in Pakistan’s power dynamics. However, these same factors may have contributed to the stringent actions now being taken against him.
The case against Faiz Hameed is not just about the Top City Housing Society. It also reflects broader concerns within the military establishment about the misuse of power and authority. The court martial proceedings, expected to begin soon, will likely shed more light on the extent of Hameed’s alleged misconduct and its implications for Pakistan’s military and political landscape.
This is the first formal inquiry and legal action against Hameed by the Pakistan Army, and it signals a significant shift in how the military deals with high-ranking officials who step out of line. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for future accountability within the armed forces.
