The ISPR clarified that these retired officers were arrested due to actions that were detrimental to military discipline. The statement also noted that ongoing investigations are targeting certain retired officers and their associates for allegedly instigating instability in collaboration with political interests.
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On August 12, the ISPR announced that Gen Faiz had been taken into military custody over accusations of land grabbing and seizing valuables from the owner of a private housing society.
The ISPR explained that, following orders from the Supreme Court of Pakistan, the Pakistan Army conducted a thorough court of inquiry to investigate the complaints made against Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hamid in the Top City Case. As a result, disciplinary action was initiated against the former spymaster under the Pakistan Army Act.
The ISPR further stated that multiple violations of the Pakistan Army Act by the retired general, who previously served as the Peshawar corps commander, had been established. Consequently, the process for a Field General Court Martial was initiated, and Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hamid was placed in military custody.
The arrest relates to a petition filed by the chief executive officer (CEO) of a housing society in the Supreme Court last year. In the petition, the former ISI director general (DG) was accused of land grabbing and theft during a raid.
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In November 2023, the petitioner, Moeez Ahmed Khan, submitted a plea to the Supreme Court’s human rights cell (HRC), seeking action against the former DG ISI. The petition detailed that after the raid, the petitioner and five colleagues were detained, and he requested that the federal government take action against Gen (retd) Faiz Hamid, his brother Najaf, and others.
A three-member bench of the Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa and including Justice Athar Minallah and Justice Aminuddin Khan, heard the case. The bench disposed of the petition on November 8, 2023, directing the petitioner to seek relief from the relevant forum.
The court’s written order outlined the allegations that Lt Gen (retd) Hamid, while serving in the ISI, misused his position to commit various crimes against the petitioner and his family, including:
- Raiding the petitioner’s residence and business offices using ISI and Pakistan Rangers (Punjab) personnel.
- Detaining the petitioner and his family members.
- Seizing their properties and business assets.
- Coercing the petitioner into transferring his business to nominees.
- Filing false cases against the petitioner, his family, and employees.
The court acknowledged the seriousness of these allegations, which, if true, would severely damage the reputation of the Federal Government, Armed Forces, ISI, and Pakistan Rangers. The additional attorney general (AAG) noted that several legal remedies were available to the petitioner, including approaching the Ministry of Defence or filing a criminal case.