Pakistan Military Elite Under Scrutiny After Former ISI Chief's Fall
The arrest and conviction of Lieutenant General Faiz Hameed, Pakistan's former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief, has sent shockwaves through the country's military establishment and could reshape the political landscape for years to come.
A military court sentenced Hameed to 14 years rigorous imprisonment on charges including engaging in political activities, violating the Official Secrets Act, misusing authority and government resources, and causing wrongful loss to individuals. However, more serious charges may follow.
May 9 Riots Connection
Law Minister Ataullah Tarar confirmed that additional cases relating to the unprecedented May 9, 2023 riots remain pending. These riots saw hundreds of protesters storm Pakistan Army and ISI installations following former Prime Minister Imran Khan's arrest.
The Director General Inter-Services Public Relations indicated that upcoming charges would address "events related to, but not limited to May 9, 2023, for fomenting instability at the behest of, and in collusion with, vested political interests."
A Pattern of Political Interference
Hameed's career exemplifies the Pakistani military's long-standing involvement in civilian politics. During Nawaz Sharif's tenure, he unconstitutionally mediated with the Barelvi Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan, drawing Supreme Court criticism.
In 2018, a senior Islamabad High Court judge accused Hameed of influencing the Panama Papers case against Sharif. This followed an extensive campaign that ultimately saw Sharif imprisoned on technical grounds despite no proven wrongdoing.
Hameed operated under General Qamar Bajwa, who faced his own corruption allegations, with his wife reportedly accumulating 2.2 billion Pakistani rupees during his six-year tenure.
The Asim Munir Factor
The current army chief, General Asim Munir, has personal reasons for pursuing this case. In 2018, Imran Khan removed Munir as ISI chief after just eight months, a move apparently orchestrated by Hameed and Bajwa. This humiliation of an austere military officer has proven costly.
Munir's vindictiveness is evident in his treatment of Imran Khan, who remains in solitary confinement facing potential transfer to a distant jail. The army chief has reportedly received backing from President Trump, who praised him as among the "finest" generals.
Regional Implications
Hameed's fall from grace began with his high-profile role in overseeing the Taliban's installation in Kabul, including that infamous "cup of tea" photograph that violated intelligence protocols by exposing a spy chief's operations.
The case highlights Pakistan's complex relationship with regional security and its military's outsized influence on foreign policy, particularly regarding Afghanistan and the broader Indo-Pacific region.
Future Uncertainties
Hameed's fate may ultimately depend on whether he cooperates against his former ally, Imran Khan. His knowledge of Khan's involvement in various controversies, including the May 9 riots and the diplomatic cable incident involving US official Donald Lu, could prove decisive.
However, Munir's own position may not be secure. With segments of the army facing stalled promotions while fighting daily terrorist threats, the current leadership's future remains uncertain in Pakistan's volatile political environment.
This case represents more than individual accountability; it signals potential broader reforms within Pakistan's military establishment and its relationship with civilian governance, with implications extending across the Indo-Pacific region.