Pakistan’s military arrests former intel chief over corruption charges

The Pakistani military has announced the arrest of retired General Faiz Hameed, the former head of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), in connection with a land development case involving corruption and bribery. This move is notable as it involves a high-profile officer, which is rare in Pakistan.

The arrest was ordered by the Supreme Court, which also revealed that Hameed had been found in violation of multiple provisions of the Pakistan Army Act following his retirement, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The court's statement mentioned that a Field General Court Martial process has been initiated, placing Hameed in military custody, though specific details of the violations were not disclosed.

Hameed, who served as ISI Director General from 2019 to 2021, gained international attention when he was seen in a Kabul hotel lobby shortly after the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in 2021, following the withdrawal of US and other Western forces.

In Pakistan’s military hierarchy, the ISI chief is regarded as the second most influential officer after the army chief. Hameed was also known to be a close ally of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who appointed him to lead the ISI during his tenure. Khan was removed from office in 2022 through a no-confidence vote, which he claims was orchestrated by the military — a charge the military denies.

Local media reports have suggested that disagreements between Khan and the military included Khan's wish to extend Hameed's tenure as ISI chief beyond its official end.