New Delhi, August 13: Faiz Hameed, former Lieutenant-General of Pakistani intelligence service Inter-Services Intelligence's (ISI), was arrested on August 12 in a high-profile housing scheme corruption scandal called the 'Top City' case. The arrest was initiated by the Supreme Court of Pakistan under the Pakistan Army Act. Following the arrest, the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement, "Complying with the orders of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, a detailed court of inquiry, was undertaken by Pakistan Army, to ascertain the correctness of complaints in Top City case made against Lt Gen Faiz Hameed (Retd). Consequently, appropriate disciplinary action has been initiated against Lt Gen Faiz Hameed (Retd), under provisions of the Pakistan Army Act. In addition, multiple instances of violation of the Pakistan Army Act post-retirement have also been established. The process of Field General Court Martial has been initiated and Lt Gen Faiz Hameed (Retd) has been taken into military custody." As Hameed remains in military custody, a Field General Court Martial is now in progress against him.

Faiz Hameed's Military Career in Pakistan Army

Faiz Hameed, born in Pakistan's Chakwal, joined the Pakistan Military Academy in 1987 and was commissioned as Adjutant General in the Baloch Regiment. He also last served as Commander of the XXXI Corps before taking premature retirement on December 10, 2022. He became the top spymaster and served as the 24th Director General of the ISI from 2019-2021. After General Munir took over in November 2022, Hameed was forced to resign as the ISI boss just four months before his retirement. Faiz Hameed Arrested: Former ISI Chief Faiz Hameed Taken Into Custody in Pakistan Ahead of Court Martial Proceedings.

Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Faiz Hameed Arrested in 'Top City' Case

A confidant of former Pakistan PM Imran Khan and the then-Army chief General Qamar Bajwa, Faiz Hameed has been a controversial figure in the Pakistan politics throughout his tenure as ISI chief. He is credited for a key role in resolving the Faizabad dharna (sit-in) led by Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan through a negotiated settlement. ‘Won’t Tolerate Interference’: Arvind Kejriwal Replies to Pakistan Politician Fawad Chaudhary Over Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Remark, Says ‘Take Care of Your Own Country’.

What is the Top City Case?

Moeez Ahmed Khan, owner of the housing development firm Top City, filed a petition in November 2023 in the Supreme Court of Pakistan. Khan accused Faiz Hameed of misuse of authority in conducting ISI raids in his company offices and residence back in 2017.  Retired naib tehsildar Sardar Najaf, who is Hameed's brother, was also accused of being involved. Khan added that during these raids, Hameed allegedly extorted PKR 4 crore from him, along with gold, diamonds and cash. The Supreme Court, in response to the petition, ordered the Ministry of Defence to initiate an investigation, and in April 2024, a committee was set up for it. The committee confirmed multiple violations of the Pakistan Army Act by Faiz Hameed after his retirement, which led to his current arrest and the start of Field General Court Martial proceedings.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 13, 2024 12:23 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).