Misuse of power: Army forms body to probe blames against Faiz

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan Army has constituted a high-level inquiry committee led by a Major General to investigate allegations against Lt-Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed for purportedly misusing his authority while serving as Director General of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

The inquiry was initiated following directives from the Supreme Court and in accordance with instructions from the Ministry of Defence, as per sources familiar with the development.

This marks the first formal inquiry into Gen Faiz’s conduct, who resigned in November 2022, four months before his scheduled retirement date.

Gen Faiz previously held the position of DG Counter Intelligence (C) in the ISI and subsequently assumed leadership of the agency. He has been embroiled in several controversies, including the Faizabad Dharna case.

Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif implicated him and Gen Bajwa as key figures behind his removal through a Supreme Court ruling.

Although an inquiry commission exonerated Faiz in the Faizabad Dharna case, the army has opted to investigate him after months of allegations from a housing society owner accusing him of unlawfully raiding his residence and confiscating valuables.

Sources indicate that the Pakistan Army is committed to conducting a thorough investigation into all aspects of these cases through a high-level institutional inquiry, underscoring its dedication to accountability.

“A Major General-led high-level inquiry committee has been constituted to comprehensively examine all facets of this matter,” sources revealed.

“The Pakistan Army upholds a stringent and transparent system of self-accountability, ensuring that all such allegations are investigated rigorously, and those found responsible face severe consequences to preserve the institution’s integrity.”

On November 8, 2023, Moeez Ahmed Khan, the proprietor of Top City, filed a petition in the Supreme Court alleging misuse of authority by Gen Faiz. The petition detailed a raid on his office and residence by ISI officials on May 12, 2017, purportedly orchestrated by Gen Faiz. During the raid, valuables such as gold, diamonds, and money were allegedly confiscated by ISI personnel.

The petitioner claimed that Sardar Najaf, Faiz’s brother, later contacted him to resolve the matter. Furthermore, Gen Faiz purportedly met the petitioner personally to address the issue, assuring the return of some confiscated items but stating that a significant amount of gold and cash would not be returned.

The petitioner also accused ISI officials of extorting Rs40million in cash from him.

Given the gravity of the allegations and their potential impact on the institution’s reputation, a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court, including Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Qazi Faiz Isa, Justice Attar Minullah, and Justice Aminuddin, heard the case.

The Supreme Court acknowledged the seriousness of the matter and emphasized the potential reputational damage to the institution, prompting action. The Attorney General for Pakistan pledged full cooperation with the court and assured that appropriate measures would be taken in accordance with the law.

In response to these directives, the army has established an inquiry committee to investigate the matter thoroughly.