Former ISI Chief Faiz Hameed Taken into Military Custody Amid Housing Scheme Probe

Retired Lt Gen Faiz Hameed, Pakistan’s former ISI chief, has been detained following an inquiry into allegations linked to the Top City housing scheme. The investigation, mandated by the Supreme Court, found enough evidence to initiate disciplinary actions, leading to his military custody, as per the Army’s media wing.

Pakistan's former director-general of inter-services intelligence, Lt Gen Faiz Hameed (Retd), has been detained by military personnel following an investigation into complaints against him related to the Top City housing scheme, according to Dawn News citing the army's media wing.

The inquiry, conducted by the Pakistan Army in compliance with Supreme Court orders, unearthed sufficient grounds to initiate disciplinary proceedings under the Pakistan Army Act, a press release from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated. “Complying with the Supreme Court directives, a detailed court of inquiry was undertaken by the Pakistan Army to verify complaints in the Top City Case concerning Lt Gen Faiz Hameed (Retd). Consequently, appropriate disciplinary action has commenced against him under the Pakistan Army Act,” the ISPR release added.

ISPR further noted, “Multiple violations of the Pakistan Army Act post-retirement have also been confirmed. The Field General Court Martial process has begun and Lt Gen Hameed has been taken into military custody.” The military reportedly formed an inquiry committee in April to probe misuse of authority allegations against the former ISI head, as reported by Dawn News. A serving major general heads this committee, established as a gesture of self-accountability, following the Supreme Court and Defence Ministry's guidelines.

The Top City controversy, involving Lt Gen Faiz Hameed, emerged from accusations of him orchestrating a raid on the housing scheme owner's offices and residence. Following a Supreme Court directive in November 2023, housing scheme owner Moeez Khan was advised to seek redressal through the appropriate channels, including the Defence Ministry. The newly-formed inquiry committee is set to submit its findings to the relevant authorities, media reports indicated.