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Home World Live International Crisis Pakistan’s martial tribunal charges ex-spy chief with misuse of authority

Pakistan’s martial tribunal charges ex-spy chief with misuse of authority

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ISLAMABAD — A retired general of the Pakistani army, who previously held the position of head of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) during the administration of imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan, has been formally charged by a military court. The accusations against him include political interference, breaches of the Official Secrets Act, and abuse of his official powers, as announced by the military on Tuesday.

This development follows the military’s earlier announcement regarding Faiz Hamid’s arrest three months prior, which stemmed from an investigation into his connections with a private endeavor referred to as Top City.

Hamid is also alleged to have inflicted financial damage on this company, which was pursuing the development of land near Islamabad intended for a housing project. His promotion to the head of ISI took place in June 2019, following the approval from Khan. However, Hamid chose to retire after Khan’s government was toppled in a no-confidence motion back in April 2022. It is well understood that he maintained a close affiliation with Khan even after his retirement.

According to the military’s statement, following a court-martial convened against Hamid in August, he was “arraigned on charges of engaging in political activities, violations of the Official Secrets Act, actions harmful to the safety and interests of the state, misuse of authority and government resources, and causing unwarranted loss to individuals.” Moreover, the military is probing Hamid to ascertain his involvement in various violent incidents, notably the May 9, 2023, attack on military facilities orchestrated by supporters of Khan.

There have been no comments from Hamid’s family regarding these developments; however, the military affirmed that he retains his legal rights as per Pakistani law. Accused individuals within the military justice system are permitted to hire legal representation of their choosing, although court martial proceedings are not conducted publicly.

Imran Khan, who was dismissed from his position in April 2022, continues to be a prominent figure in the opposition. Since his ousting, he has faced over 180 criminal charges, which his party asserts are driven by political motives. Currently, Khan has been imprisoned following a graft conviction earlier in 2023.

The charges against Hamid coincided with a civilian court’s indictment of Khan and numerous associates concerning the May 9, 2023, assaults on both military and governmental establishments. Khan has denied the charges, but he is now facing a trial under anti-terrorism laws that could impose severe penalties, including life imprisonment.

Following Khan’s ousting, his supporters have organized violent protests demanding his release. The military has yet to disclose whether there are plans to pursue charges against Khan, while many of his supporters are currently undergoing trials in various military courts on multiple accusations.

Accusations against Khan’s supporters pertain to violence during the riots of May 9, 2023, where authorities assert that demonstrators targeted military properties. This unrest was fueled by Khan’s claims that his removal was orchestrated by both the United States and Pakistan’s military—a force that has significantly influenced the country’s affairs since it gained independence from British rule in 1947.

The military statement issued on Tuesday did not mention Khan but indicated that Hamid is under investigation for supposedly inciting instability “at the behest of and in collusion with vested political interests.” Concurrently, on that same day, the military announced operations that led to the elimination of 15 militants in Zhob, a volatile area in southwestern Balochistan, during which one soldier also lost his life.