Gen (retd) Faiz Hamid's military trial has begun, reveals Fakhar Durrani

Journalist Fakhar Durrani on Saturday revealed that former Director General (DG) Inter-Service Intelligence (ISI) General (R) Faiz Hamid’s military court trial on allegations of engaging in ‘political activities’ and other charges has commenced, with the first hearing held on Friday, December 13.

Taking to his YouTube channel Fact Check Pakistan, Durrani stated that former spymaster Faiz Hamid, along with his counsel Mian Ali Ashfaq, appeared before the military court on Friday; however, during the proceeding, Ashfaq requested an adjournment for five days, which the presiding judge approved.

“The military trial of Faiz Hamid will be concluded within a month,” Durrani predicted.

The journalist stated that he approached Faiz Hamid’s counsel for confirmation on whether the ex-spymaster's military trial had begun; Ashfaq neither rejected nor confirmed the news.

“Due to Officials Secret Act, I cannot comment on it,” Faiz Hamid’s lawyer told Fakhar Durrani.

The journalist observed that if the military court sentences General Faiz, he is likely to be transferred to Adiala Jail Rawalpindi, where former Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan is currently incarcerated.

Fakhar Durrani commented on the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan's military trial, claiming that the establishment had not yet decided to try the former Premier in a military court.

“Imran Khan’s military trial will create the impression internationally that Pakistan is a security state,” he said.

ISPR statement

Former DG ISI Lt Gen (R) Faiz Hamid was formally charged with engaging in political activities and misusing his authority as the chief of the country’s premier intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported Tuesday.

According to a statement issued by the military’s media wing, the former spymaster was also charged for violating the Official Secrets Act, misusing authority and government resources, and causing wrongful losses to individuals.

“These actions have compromised state security and interests,” ISPR added.

According to the statement, the process of Hamid’s field general court-martial (FGCM) was initiated on August 12, under provisions of the Pakistan Army Act.

Additionally, the military’s media wing said, the former spymaster’s role in creating agitation and unrest, including the May 9 riots, “in collusion with vested political interests”, was also being investigated.

“Lt Gen (r) Faiz Hamid is being afforded with all legal rights as per the law,” it added.

The development comes four months after reports said and the ISPR confirmed that the ex-ISI chief was taken into custody by the military on charges of abuse of power and violating the Army Act.

The former spy chief was arrested in August this year in connection with a Supreme Court petition filed by a housing society's chief executive officer, Kanwar Moeez Khan, who accused Hamid of land grabbing and stealing valuables during a raid.