Imran Khan Demands Public Trial for Faiz Hameed, Dismisses National Security Concerns
Former Prime Minister Imran Khan, founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has called for a public trial for retired Lieutenant General Faiz Hameed, who faces charges under the army act. Khan, currently detained in Adiala Jail, voiced his demands during an informal discussion with journalists on Wednesday.
Khan emphasized that the case involving General Hameed and himself should be regarded as a local issue rather than a matter of national security. He argued that an open trial would allow the public and the world to witness the truth.
“I demand an open trial for General Faiz Hameed,” Khan asserted. “This is not a national security issue but a local matter. An open trial will reveal the facts.”
Khan claimed that all the cases against him have failed and insisted he had no contact with General Hameed post-retirement. He alleged that the riots of May 9 were staged to justify his arrest and hinted at knowing the person behind his arrest order.
When questioned about who gave the arrest order, Khan only referred to them as “the one who controls the Rangers, number 1,” and labeled them as the “king, the super king,” without disclosing a name.
Khan also questioned the logic behind General Hameed’s alleged involvement, stating, “What could a retired General offer me? The suggestion that General Faiz benefited me is baseless.”
Khan directed his plea for an open trial to the army chief, stressing that the issue should not be treated as an internal military affair. He cautioned that trying a former prime minister in a military court could harm Pakistan’s reputation.
In response, security sources dismissed Khan’s assertions, stating he has no authority to dictate the trial proceedings for General Hameed. They noted that if Khan himself were to be tried, the process would be transparent to ensure clarity.
The sources further suggested that an open trial could shed light on Khan’s actions and the events leading up to the May 9 riots.
