Former Pakistan spy chief General Faiz Hameed’s most trusted associate, Mohsin Habib Warraich, has fled Pakistan for London to evade investigation into the military trial of the former powerful general, who is under scrutiny by his own institution on charges of corruption and misuse of power.
Family Background and NICL Scam
Mohsin Habib Warraich, the son of former MNA and Federal Minister of Defence Production Major (R) Habibullah Warraich, is a central figure in the National Insurance Company Limited (NICL) scam involving over two billion Rupees. He had lived in exile in London for several years starting in 2010 until General Faiz brought him back to Pakistan, ensuring his safety and protection from government and legal authorities.
Mohsin is considered the closest confidant of General Faiz, managing business deals for the retired general from 2014 onwards. Their relationship solidified when they met in London while General Faiz was a Brigadier attending the UK Royal Defence College. Mohsin quickly became a trusted aide, handling various personal matters for Faiz, including shopping and entertainment. Their bond was further strengthened by the connection between Faiz’s father-in-law and Mohsin’s father, who were batch mates at Kakul Military Academy.
Escape to London and Investigation
Pakistani intelligence sources have confirmed that Mohsin has reached London via Dubai. Authorities are eager to speak with him concerning the high-profile investigation into General Faiz, who is accused of abusing his power, including raiding a private property development business during his tenure as head of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agency.
General Faiz led the ISI during Imran Khan’s administration from 2019 to 2021 before taking early retirement in December 2022. He was highly influential within the military’s intelligence wing after returning from London in late 2015 when he was appointed DGC, responsible for intelligence affairs within Pakistan. He wielded significant power, using it for personal gains and benefiting close associates, especially Mohsin.
Lavish Lifestyle in London
While General Faiz remains in custody along with several of his retired military associates, Mohsin is seen in London, driving his convertible Rolls Royce with the private number plate W777 MOH. This same vehicle was used by Faiz and his family during their London visits. Interestingly, Mohsin’s vehicles in Pakistan and Dubai also bear the same digits, reflecting his fondness for the number 7, which represents his date of birth, January 7, 1977.
Mohsin first fled to London in 2010, evading multiple Pakistani court orders to return. He eventually returned to Pakistan after General Faiz managed to influence the courts through contacts such as former Chief Justice Saqib Nisar. Upon his return, Mohsin quickly became the unofficial chief of staff to General Faiz. Throughout his time in Pakistan, he enjoyed round-the-clock security arranged by Faiz, funded by the Pakistani taxpayer. Mohsin would often boast about the unmarked security vehicles provided by Faiz.
Global Business Dealings and Arms Trade
In return for Faiz’s protection, Mohsin traveled globally on behalf of Faiz, acting as his de facto representative. He was involved in negotiating and executing deals, often introducing himself as an arms dealer working for the Pakistan Army. On at least one occasion, he visited Russia to secure a major arms deal on Faiz’s behalf. Faiz’s support for Mohsin extended beyond arms deals, as evidenced by an incident involving the Sputnik vaccine during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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When Mohsin faced resistance from the official dealer of the Sputnik vaccine in Dubai, who had exclusive rights to sell it in Pakistan, Faiz directly intervened. Faiz informed the dealer that the vaccine would only be allowed into Pakistan through Mohsin, forcing the dealer to negotiate with him. This resulted in a multimillion-dollar sale to the Pakistan Army, which is now a focal point in the investigation against Faiz due to suspicions of massive commissions.
Political Manipulations
During Imran Khan’s government, while Faiz held significant power, Mohsin orchestrated their business dealings. However, his influence extended beyond commerce. Official sources have confirmed that Mohsin had senior intelligence officials pressurize High Court judges into issuing favorable rulings. Mohsin was also behind a political maneuver aimed at securing control over Punjab, the most populous and wealthy province in Pakistan.
Several senior PTI leaders have confirmed that General Faiz lobbied to have Mohsin’s father-in-law, Mohammad Nasir Khan, appointed as Punjab’s interim Chief Minister. Nasir Khan, who served as the Federal Health Minister between 2002 and 2007, was proposed as the caretaker CM candidate after Imran Khan received a call from General Faiz in early 2023, following the dissolution of the Punjab Assembly by Pervez Elahi. The Pakistan military has evidence that Faiz was lobbying for Nasir Khan post-retirement, an action deemed inappropriate as it involved political engineering.
Beenish Habib Warraich and UK Scrutiny
Mohsin’s wife, Beenish Khan (now Beenish Habib Warraich), daughter of former Federal Health Minister Mohammad Nasir Khan, has also faced scrutiny in the UK regarding the NICL case. During the investigation, the Pakistan government requested information about Mohsin from the UK authorities, leading to Beenish being placed under surveillance by the UK’s Serious and Organised Crime Agency (SOCA).
Subsequently, her account at Barclays was closed. In social circles in Lahore, Dubai, and London, she is known for her extravagant lifestyle, which includes a collection of designer Hermes bags, luxury watches, jewelry, and high-end vehicles such as Range Rovers, Mercedes, and BMWs. Notably, the Rolls Royce W777MOH in London is registered in her name.
Accumulation of Wealth and Influence
Due to the favors extended by Faiz, Mohsin Warraich now owns several assets around the world and is frequently seen at the most expensive restaurants and private members’ clubs, particularly the exclusive Arts Club on Dover Street, London. Intelligence agencies suspect that General Faiz has a share in these assets under benaami (proxy ownership).
Before the publication of this article, Mohsin was sent a detailed list of questions but did not respond to any of them directly.
This article was received directly from the reporter.