Arrest of Ex-ISI Chief Faiz Hameed Sparks Political Controversy in Pakistan

The ruling coalition in Pakistan celebrates the arrest of former ISI chief Lt Gen (retd.) Faiz Hameed over a housing scheme scandal, while Imran Khan's PTI party remains neutral. Hameed was accused of political meddling during Khan's tenure as PM. Military court martial proceedings have begun against him.

The ruling coalition in Pakistan has praised the arrest of former ISI chief Lt Gen (retd.) Faiz Hameed in relation to a housing scheme scandal, while jailed former prime minister Imran Khan's party, PTI, has chosen to remain neutral, terming it as the army's 'internal matter.'

Hameed, who served as the director general of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) from 2019 to 2021 under Khan's premiership, was accused of political meddling at Khan's behest. He was detained by military authorities on Monday, and court martial proceedings were initiated against him under the Pakistan Army Act for alleged misuse of authority. His arrest came after a probe into complaints by the owner of Top City Housing Society about an alleged raid at his house.

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan People's Party (PPP) leaders have endorsed the move, suggesting the arrest is a step towards accountability within the military. PPP leader Qamar Zaman Kaira stated that the inquiry confirmed multiple violations, which led to the initiation of disciplinary actions. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif implied a broader reckoning might follow, hinting at Hameed's involvement in political maneuverings and riots post-retirement.

(With inputs from agencies.)