More Retired Officers Detained Amid Expanding Gen Faiz Inquiry

ISLAMABAD: The investigation into former spymaster Lt-Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed has escalated, with three more retired military officers now in custody. These individuals have been implicated in actions that have allegedly compromised military discipline, according to a statement released by the military’s media wing on Thursday.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) hinted at more arrests, noting that ongoing investigations involve retired officers and their associates suspected of instigating instability for political purposes.

While the ISPR did not release the names or ranks of the detained officers, sources suggest that two of them were retired brigadiers and one was a colonel, all reportedly close to Gen Faiz. This development follows closely on the heels of the former ISI director general’s arrest and the commencement of court martial proceedings against him, marking an unprecedented move in Pakistan’s history.

The military’s actions have stirred significant interest, especially as they follow a high-profile meeting convened by Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir. The meeting included retired army officers, some of whom were former chiefs, to brief them on the recent actions. Notably, former Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa was absent, reportedly due to being out of the country, though this absence sparked speculation regarding the ongoing investigation.

Gen Faiz Hameed, who retired from service in November 2022, is facing charges of corruption, misuse of authority, and violations of the Pakistan Army Act. The investigation dates back to his tenure as DG-C in the ISI, with the inquiry initiated after a Supreme Court order.

The charges against Gen Faiz gained momentum following a petition filed by Moeez Ahmed Khan, the owner of Top City, who accused the former general of misusing his authority in a 2017 raid conducted by ISI officials. The case has led to significant legal and public scrutiny, with the military taking a firm stance on the allegations.

As the investigation progresses, there are indications that Gen Faiz’s post-retirement activities may also entangle former Prime Minister Imran Khan in further legal challenges. However, Khan has distanced himself from the court martial proceedings, emphasizing that the military’s investigation into Gen Faiz is an internal matter.