Three retired military personnel were taken into custody for their alleged link with former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Chief Faiz Hameed who is facing court-martial proceedings, the military’s media wing announced in a press release on Thursday.

According to a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), three retired military officers are currently in military custody for “actions prejudicial to military discipline” in connection with the field general court martial (FGCM) proceedings against Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Faiz Hameed.

The statement further said that ongoing investigations are looking into certain other retired officers and their accomplices for allegedly fomenting instability at the behest of and in collusion with vested political interests, according to ISPR.

“In connection with the FGCM proceedings of Lt Gen (Retd) Faiz Hameed, three retired officers are also in military custody for their actions prejudicial to military discipline,” the military’s media affairs wing said.

The Pakistani army had previously announced the arrest of General Hameed on allegations of violating the Army Act. According to a source, Hameed was taken into custody a few days earlier after being summoned for a meeting by a senior military official.

The arrest was prompted by allegations of misconduct made by the owner of a private housing society. This shattered the long-held perception that spy agency chiefs in Pakistan, where the military wields significant influence, are untouchable.

The army cited a November 2023 directive from the Supreme Court of Pakistan as the basis for taking action against former ISI Chief Faiz Hameed. The directive instructed Kanwar Moeez Khan, the owner of Islamabad’s Top City housing society, to seek redressal of his grievances against Hameed through relevant channels, including the Ministry of Defence.

Background

In April 2023, the military formed an inquiry committee to investigate allegations of misuse of authority against the former head of the ISI Chief Faiz Hameed.

The committee was formed as a gesture of self-accountability, following directives from the Supreme Court and the Ministry of Defence.

The Supreme Court had said the “extremely serious” allegations against the former ISI chief, if proven true, would undermine the reputation of the country’s institutions.

The management of the private housing scheme Top City had leveled grave allegations against Lt Gen (Retd) Faiz Hameed, claiming he orchestrated a raid on the owner’s offices and residence.

In November 2023, the Supreme Court asked the housing society owner to approach the defence ministry to address his grievances against the former spymaster and his associates.

The newly constituted inquiry committee will investigate the allegations and present its findings to the relevant authorities.

In March 2023, the then-interior minister said a probe was underway against Lt Gen (Retd) Faiz Hameed and his brother over alleged corruption and accumulating assets beyond means.

In March 2024, the brother of the former ISI chief was sent to jail on a 14-day judicial remand in a case related to the acquisition of properties worth billions.

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