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Pakistan's Military Detains Former Spy Chief and Three Ex-Officers in Corruption Probe
In a significant development that has reverberated through Pakistan's political and military circles, the country's armed forces have announced the arrest of three retired officers in connection with an ongoing investigation into former spy chief Faiz Hameed. The ex-head of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Pakistan's powerful spy agency, now faces a court-martial on charges of corruption and abuse of power.
The military's statement, released on Thursday, revealed that the arrests are directly linked to the proceedings against Hameed, who is accused of actions deemed prejudicial to military discipline. This marks a rare instance of high-ranking former military officials facing such serious allegations in a country where the armed forces wield significant influence.
Hameed, who served as ISI chief from 2019 to 2021 during the tenure of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, was apprehended on Monday. The charges against him stem from an inquiry ordered by the Supreme Court following a complaint by a real estate developer. The military accuses Hameed of misusing his office to illegally occupy a private housing scheme on the outskirts of Islamabad.
The investigation has also uncovered what the military describes as multiple instances of violations of the Pakistan Army Act following Hameed's retirement. These alleged violations add another layer of complexity to the case against the former spy chief.
The military's statement hinted at a broader scope for the investigation, noting that it continues to probe some retired officers and their accomplices for allegedly fomenting instability at the behest of, and in collusion with, vested political interests. This suggestion of potential political motivations behind the alleged misconduct has raised concerns among observers of Pakistan's intricate political landscape.
Under Hameed's leadership, the ISI has long been accused by political parties and critics of interfering in the country's politics and government affairs. These latest developments are likely to intensify scrutiny of the agency's role in Pakistan's political arena.
Hameed's career trajectory took an unexpected turn in recent years. Once considered a strong contender for the position of army chief, he opted for early retirement in December 2022. This decision came just months after Imran Khan, now imprisoned, lost power in April 2022. Khan had replaced Hameed with Lieutenant-General Nadeem Anjum as ISI chief in October 2021, shortly before his own political downfall.
The timing of these events has not gone unnoticed, particularly given the Pakistan Army Act's prohibition on retired military officials engaging in political activities for two years after leaving service. This regulation adds another dimension to the potential implications of the charges against Hameed and the other arrested officers.
The military's prominent role in Pakistan's governance is well-documented, with the institution having directly ruled the nation of 240 million for over three decades in its nearly eight-decade history of independence. This latest episode serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between military and civilian power structures in the country.
As the investigation unfolds, it is likely to have far-reaching consequences not only for those directly involved but also for the broader dynamics of power and accountability within Pakistan's military and political establishments. The international community will be watching closely as this high-profile case progresses, potentially reshaping perceptions of institutional integrity and the balance of power in one of South Asia's most influential nations.