In a surprising move, Pakistan’s military announced the arrest of retired Lt. Gen. Faiz Hameed, the former head of the influential Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), in connection with a land development case. The Supreme Court ordered his detention, marking an unusual step against such a high-ranking officer in a country where the military has played a dominant role for over three decades since its independence 77 years ago.
The military’s statement revealed that multiple violations of the Pakistan Army Act had been identified post-Hameed’s retirement, leading to the initiation of a Field General Court Martial. Hameed, who served as ISI chief from 2019 to 2021, gained international attention when he was seen in Kabul shortly after the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in 2021. His arrest has fueled speculation, given his close ties to former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who appointed him as ISI chief. Khan, who was ousted in 2022, has long alleged that his removal was orchestrated by the military—a claim the military denies.
Hameed’s high-profile arrest raises questions about the ongoing power dynamics within Pakistan’s military and its complex relationship with political leadership.
