Political Events
Following the recent arrest of former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief Lieutenant General (retd) Faiz Hamid, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has made significant claims regarding Hamid’s involvement in political events after his retirement.
Speaking on the program ‘Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath,’ Asif alleged that Gen (retd) Faiz played a role in the political developments that occurred following his retirement in November 2022.
Asif expressed his belief that Faiz, having retired from the military, continued to influence political affairs. “Post his [Faiz’s] retirement, the events that unraveled on the political scene definitely had his hand in them,” Asif asserted.
He described Faiz as someone who, despite being retired, has not hesitated to involve himself in complex political situations.
Asif speculated that Faiz’s background and experience, combined with his history of wielding significant power, would naturally lead him to remain active in political machinations.
Regarding Faiz’s alleged involvement in the events of May 9, Asif suggested that if the reports are accurate, Faiz might not have acted alone.
He proposed that Faiz could have been providing logistical support and using his strategic expertise to orchestrate actions that would cause greater impact.
Although Asif stopped short of making definitive statements, he implied that Faiz might have played a role similar to that of a strategic adviser during those events.
Asif also highlighted the close personal relationship between Faiz and former army chief Gen (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa, noting that their bond was strengthened by their families’ longstanding connection.
This close relationship, according to Asif, created a strong and inseparable link between the two generals.
In a significant development earlier on the same day, the army confirmed the detention of Faiz Hamid on charges related to land grabbing and the illegal seizure of valuables from the owner of a private housing society.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated that appropriate disciplinary measures have been initiated under the Pakistan Army Act.
The ISPR further revealed that multiple violations of the Army Act by Faiz post-retirement have been established, leading to the initiation of a Field General Court Martial process.
The arrest was reportedly connected to a petition filed last year in the Supreme Court by a housing society’s chief executive officer, which accused the former ISI chief of misusing his authority and breaching the Army Act.
