Pakistan’s military charges former spy chief over ‘political activities’

Lieutenant-General Faiz Hamid, under arrest since August, is the first spy chief accused of helping a political party.

Islamabad, Pakistan – Pakistan’s military has charged a former spy chief with “engaging in political activities”, in essence accusing him of working with ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan to destabilise the nation.

The chargesheet against retired Lieutenant-General Faiz Hamid, the former head of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), follows months of investigations and proceedings under the Pakistan Army Act. Hamid was arrested in August this year.

“During the process, the involvement of Lt Gen Faiz Hamid (Retd) in events related to creating agitation and unrest, leading up to multiple incidents, including but not limited to the events of May 9, 2023, aimed at fomenting instability at the behest of and in collusion with vested political interests—is also being separately investigated,” the statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations, the military’s media wing, on Tuesday read.

On that date, Khan’s arrest in connection with a corruption case led to protests by supporters of his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. The demonstrators targeted state buildings and military installations. Thousands of people were arrested, of whom about 100 faced military trials. Khan is also facing several cases related to May 9.

According to the ISPR, Hamid has also been indicted for violations of the Official Secrets Act, misuse of authority, and improper use of government resources, among other charges.