ISLAMABAD: Senior cabinet members have repeatedly claimed that an alleged nexus between former prime minister Imran Khan and former ISI chief Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hamid fuelled the May 9 violence. However, the military’s media wing has not explicitly supported this claim in any public statement so far.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar have frequently referred to an Imran–Faiz nexus while addressing the unrest of May 9, 2023. They have linked the violence to broader allegations of political destabilisation. Nevertheless, questions remain about the evidentiary basis of these assertions.
Government Refers Queries to ISPR
When asked whether the claim relied on findings from a civil or military investigation, the government avoided direct answers. Instead, the information minister redirected questions to the Inter-Services Public Relations.
Federal Minister Attaullah Tarar initially advised journalists to seek clarification from ISPR. Moreover, when reminded that ministers themselves raised the allegations, he again deferred responsibility. He stated that ISPR’s press release was “clear” and that ministers merely commented on it.
However, a closer review of ISPR’s recent statement reveals a notable gap between political claims and official wording.
Details of Faiz Hamid’s Conviction
ISPR issued the statement to announce the conclusion of the Field General Court Martial of Gen (retd) Faiz Hamid. According to the release, authorities initiated proceedings on August 12, 2024, under the Pakistan Army Act. The process continued for more than 15 months.
The statement said the former ISI chief faced four charges. These included engaging in political activities, violating the Official Secrets Act, misusing authority and government resources, and causing wrongful loss to individuals. The court found him guilty on all counts. Consequently, it sentenced him to 14 years of rigorous imprisonment on December 11, 2025.
ISPR added that the trial followed all legal requirements. It also confirmed that the accused exercised his legal rights, retained a defence team of choice, and preserved the right to appeal.
Ambiguity Fuels Political Interpretation
The final paragraph of the ISPR statement sparked widespread speculation. It said the convict’s involvement in fomenting political agitation and instability “in cahoots with political elements” was being handled separately.
As a result, several political leaders and commentators interpreted this line as a reference to the May 9 violence and an alleged Imran–Faiz nexus. However, ISPR did not name Imran Khan, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, or the May 9 riots. It also did not explicitly link Gen (retd) Faiz’s actions to those events.
Questions Over Evidence
When journalists highlighted this distinction and requested any ISPR statement directly naming an Imran–Faiz nexus, the information minister did not provide one. This silence has widened the gap between the government’s political narrative and the military’s official language.
Therefore, observers continue to question whether the nexus claim stems from documented investigative findings or remains an inference drawn from broader allegations of political instability.
