Pakistan’s military has arrested retired general Faiz Hameed, former head of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agency, in connection with a land development case.
Unusual Development
The detention of a high-profile officer is unusual in Pakistan.
Notably, the military has ruled Pakistan for over 30 of the 77 years since independence, and continues to hold sway.
A Powerful Position
Moreover, the ISI chief is generally considered the second most powerful military officer in Pakistan after the head of the Army.
Statement Of Pakistan’s Military
In a statement, Pakistan’s military said that the Supreme Court ordered Faiz Hameed’s arrest.
Pakistan’s military further stated that Lt Gen Faiz Hameed (Retd) is now in military custody and the process of Field General Court Martial has been initiated.
It did not elaborate on the violations.
It was not possible to reach him for comment.
When Hameed Was The ISI Director General?
Hameed was director general of the ISI from 2019 to 2021.
Notably, his presence in the lobby of a hotel in Kabul around 2021, caught global attention.
This was shortly after the Taliban had taken over Afghanistan following the pullout of U.S. and other Western forces in 2021.
Washington has for long accused the ISI of backing the Taliban while U.S.-led forces were in Afghanistan from 2001 onwards.
Hameed Was Close to Imran Khan
Imran Khan had named Hameed as head the ISI when he was premier.
Imran Khan’s Ouster
A no-confidence motion vote in Parliament ended Imran Khan’s leadership in 2022.
He faced allegations of economic mismanagement and mishandling of the country’s foreign policy
Imran Khan also alleged that the military orchestrated his arrest.
Some local media reports have suggested the disagreements between Khan and the military included Khan’s desire to keep Hameed on as ISI chief after his tenure ended.
(With Inputs From Reuters)
