ISLAMABAD: In response to mounting allegations of misconduct and misuse of authority, the Pakistan Army has taken decisive action, launching a thorough investigation into the actions of former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Director General, Lt-Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed. A high-level inquiry committee, spearheaded by a Major General, has been assembled to delve into the accusations leveled against Faiz Hameed, marking the first formal inquiry into his conduct.
The inquiry, prompted by directives from the Supreme Court and the Ministry of Defence, seeks to shed light on various allegations of impropriety during Faiz Hameed’s tenure. Notably, concerns have been raised regarding his involvement in the Faizabad Dharna case, among other controversies. While Faiz Hameed was previously exonerated in the Faizabad Dharna case by an inquiry commission, fresh allegations have surfaced, prompting the army’s decision to initiate a comprehensive investigation.
Central to the probe is an incident brought to light by Moeez Ahmed Khan, the proprietor of Top City, who lodged a petition with the Supreme Court detailing purported misconduct by Faiz Hameed and ISI officials. Khan alleges that in May 2017, at the direction of Faiz Hameed, ISI operatives conducted a raid on his office and residence, confiscating valuables including gold, diamonds, and cash. Further accusations claim that Faiz Hameed’s brother, Sardar Najaf, intervened in an attempt to resolve the matter, with Faiz Hameed personally engaging Khan to assure partial restitution, albeit withholding a significant portion of the seized assets.
Allegations of extortion have also surfaced, with Khan asserting that ISI officials coerced him into parting with a substantial sum of cash. These allegations, deemed by the Supreme Court as grave and potentially detrimental to the institution’s integrity, prompted swift action. A three-judge bench, including Chief Justice Qazi Faiz Isa, Justice Athar Minullah, and Justice Aminuddin, convened to address the matter, stressing the importance of thorough investigation and accountability.
In response to the Supreme Court’s directives, the Attorney General for Pakistan pledged full cooperation in ensuring that justice is served in accordance with the law. Consequently, the Pakistan Army has mobilized its resources, constituting a high-level inquiry committee to meticulously scrutinize the allegations against Faiz Hameed. Emphasizing the army’s commitment to transparency and accountability, sources within the military affirm that stringent measures will be taken to uphold the integrity of the institution, with any findings of misconduct met with appropriate disciplinary action.
Speaking to The Scoop, Ali K Chisti, a veteran journalist and security expert said that General (retd) Faiz Hameed, former DG ISI, allegedly as Deputy DG ISI orchestrated a robbery and abduction targeting my friend cum brother Kunwar Moeez Khan in Islamabad.
“The motive appeared to be acquiring his property, particularly his housing scheme, Top City, under his patwari brother’s name,” he said.
Chisti maintained that Pakistan Army officers were reportedly involved, resulting in the theft of over Rs.3 billion from Khan’s residence. Additionally, his children, including my nephew, were mistreated, with one Colonel disrespecting them and accusing Khan’s father of treason.
“My sister’s Kunwar Moeez’s wife’s father was kidnapped too to further pressure the KMK and when he came back, he died in between. Khan was subjected to torture and falsely labeled as an MQM-London agent by certain media outlets,” Chisti recalled.
For him, despite facing such adversity, Khan remained steadfast. Following the government’s appeal, the Supreme Court of Pakistan directed him to lodge a complaint with the GHQ.
Subsequently, the GHQ initiated an inquiry into General Faiz Hameed for alleged abuse of power and corruption.
“These are grave accusations, and I trust that the GHQ will conduct a fair and thorough investigation. While there is much more to be said, I choose to respect the privacy of my friends and the integrity of our institutions,” he concluded.
