Nearly four months after his arrest, former spy chief, retired Lt-Gen Faiz Hameed, has been formally indicted and is facing a Field Gen Court Martial. He is charged with political involvement, violating the Official Secrets Act, abusing his authority, and causing wrongful loss to an individual. However, the question remains: is this the long-awaited reckoning or just another smokescreen?
Gen Hameed’s Controversial Tenure
Those familiar with Gen Hameed’s actions during his tenure will attest that he crossed numerous lines of conduct. As DG Counterterrorism and later as DG ISI, Hameed used his power as a blunt instrument, crushing anyone who opposed him. He gained infamy for his alleged role in manipulating the 2018 election, intimidating opposition leaders, and suppressing the media to silence dissent. While these actions were widely known at the time, they were largely ignored due to his support from then-Prime Minister Imran Khan and the military establishment.
The Shift in Power and Accountability
Gen Hameed’s abuses went largely unchecked because they were viewed as serving the establishment’s interests. However, once political circumstances changed and Hameed failed to adapt, his conduct began to attract serious scrutiny. The investigations into his activities seem to be unsettling enough for him to become the first ISI chief to be court-martialled.
Political Charges and the May 9 Incident
The charges against him go beyond violations of military discipline, as they include political interference. According to the military’s media wing, Hameed is being investigated for his involvement in fostering agitation and unrest, particularly the events of May 9, 2023. He is accused of collaborating with political forces to create instability. It is believed that Hameed harbored ambitions of becoming the army chief, but whether this continued after his retirement is something that needs to be revealed.
The Need for Transparency
Military trials are typically held in secrecy, so it’s unlikely that the details of Gen Hameed’s defense will be made public. However, given the serious political implications of the case, the military should consider making the trial proceedings public. The people deserve transparency and closure in this chapter.
Gen Faiz Hameed court martial
