Investigations into the May 9 violence have revealed startling evidence linking former ISI chief Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed as the primary orchestrator behind the attacks on military installations. Intelligence findings suggest that Hameed engaged with 48 political figures—predominantly from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)—both before and after the incidents, aiming to retaliate against PTI Chairman Imran Khan’s arrest by targeting key military sites, including the GHQ.

Initially detained over his involvement in the Top City scandal, Hameed was later implicated in the planning and execution of arson and vandalism on May 9. According to military sources, legal action against Hameed could potentially lead to similar proceedings against Imran Khan, who allegedly endorsed and supported these disruptive strategies.

Prominent journalist Ansar Abbasi has disclosed that Faiz Hameed maintained an active network, coordinating closely with Imran Khan even during the latter’s detention in Adiala Jail. As Khan’s chief strategist, Hameed allegedly devised plans to provoke unrest and provided directives to PTI leaders, ensuring their alignment with his objectives.

Military insiders assert that after being sidelined for the position of Army Chief, Hameed retired early but covertly conspired with a group of retired officers to instigate rebellion within the military. His ultimate goal, according to sources, was to destabilise the institution and displace Army Chief General Asim Munir.

Under the amended Army Act of 2023, retired officers are prohibited from engaging in political activities for five years post-retirement. Despite repeated warnings, Hameed continued to violate these regulations, culminating in his detention. Investigators have identified over 48 senior politicians connected to Hameed and Khan during the May 9 attacks, with some confessing Hameed’s pivotal role in planning the violence, contingent upon Khan’s arrest.

Following Hameed’s arrest, Imran Khan reportedly distanced himself from his former ally. Khan’s legal team, while addressing the matter at Adiala Jail, dismissed Hameed’s actions as an internal military issue unrelated to PTI. Senior lawyer Intezar Panjotha reiterated the need for a judicial commission to investigate the events, including reviewing CCTV footage, to uncover the complete truth.

As military courts proceed with trials of those implicated in the May 9 violence, analysts suggest that convictions could further isolate PTI in its negotiations with the government, marking a critical turning point for the party and its leadership.