RAWALPINDI: Faiz Hamid, who is currently under court martial for alleged involvement in political activities and abuse of power, gained prominence while heading the counter-intelligence wing of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) during the 2017 Faizabad sit-in.
The former ISI chief was detained by the military in August 2024 on charges related to misuse of authority and violations of the Army Act.In a recent statement to the press, Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, Director General of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), emphasized that the legal proceedings must proceed without interference and that any final decision would be announced promptly once the process concludes.“General Faiz Hamid’s trial is a matter of law, and no speculation should be made,” he stated.
According to the ISPR, Hamid was formally charged in December 2024 with multiple offenses, including political engagement and violations of the Official Secrets Act under the Pakistan Army Act.Following Supreme Court directives, the Pakistan Army conducted an extensive inquiry into allegations against Hamid in the Top City case, the media wing added. The inquiry led to the initiation of a court-martial against the retired general, who previously served as Peshawar Corps Commander.
The arrest stemmed from a petition filed by the CEO of Top City Housing Society in the Supreme Court last year. Hamid was accused of land grabbing and theft from a private housing society owner during a raid.Additionally, three other retired officers were detained in connection with the same housing scheme case following Hamid’s arrest.
Sanaullah highlighted that the role of the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) is becoming increasingly vital for national security. He mentioned that amendments had been made to the law to establish this position.
He noted that regulations and rules governing the CDF are still under development and stressed the importance of caution in framing these guidelines.
Sanaullah dismissed rumors about delays in the CDF notification, asserting that any links to such speculation are unfounded and inappropriate.The adviser also revealed plans to expand the list of individuals abroad involved in disseminating anti-Pakistan content on social media. He assured that propaganda targeting national security from outside sources would be actively countered.
He emphasized the government’s responsibility to prevent hostile material from affecting security institutions, stating that no law permits propaganda against national security.Addressing political issues, Sanaullah warned that if Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi obstructs efforts related to national security, his political career could be jeopardized. He warned that any interference in counter-terrorism operations or facilitation of terrorists would have serious consequences for Afridi.
Sanaullah also commented on former Prime Minister Imran Khan, stating that he is entitled to B-Class facilities and protocol as per his former status. He added that the government would not diminish respect for Khan.Regarding Nawaz Sharif’s imprisonment, Sanaullah said the previous government did not provide facilities as mandated by law. He also stated that if Afridi limits his interactions with Imran Khan to meetings, there should be no restrictions. However, if such meetings are intended to promote protests, movements against the government, or facilitate terrorism, they should be discouraged.
