Pakistan's former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief Lt General (retd) Faiz Hameed has been arrested by the military ahead of his court-martial in connection with a housing scheme scandal.
It's the first in the country's history where a court martial has been initiated against a former ISI chief, reported Dawn.
"Complying with the orders of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, a detailed court of inquiry was undertaken by Pakistan Army, to ascertain the correctness of complaints in Top City case made against Lt Gen Faiz Hameed (Retd)," Inter-Services Public Relations said in a statement.
The statement further added that appropriate disciplinary action has been initiated against Hameed under provisions of the Pakistan Army Act.
Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan appointed Hameed as ISI chief during his tenure. He is regarded as a close aide to Khan.
An inquiry committee was formed in April to investigate the allegation of misuse of authority against Hameed. Reportedly, the committee was formed by the military as a gesture of self-accountability.
The committee was formed under the directives of the Supreme Court and the Ministry of Defence.
The allegations against Hameed, by the management of a private housing scheme--Top City, were found of an "extremely serious nature" by the apex court. "It cannot be left unattended," the SC had pointed out.
In connection with the case, in March 2024, a Rawalpindi court sent retired naib tehsildar Najaf Hameed, brother of the former spymaster, to Adiala jail on a 14-day judicial remand.
Controversial past
Hammed was appointed as the ISI chief in June 2019. He opted for an early retirement and resigned in November 2022.
In 2022, Hameed was one of the six senior generals whose names were forwarded by general headquarters to Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif for consideration for the two top military posts.
A petition was filed on May 12, 2017, and said that Pakistan Rangers and ISI officials conducted raids on Top City's office and Moeez's residence, seizing valuables including jewellery.
It was also alleged the involvement of other former ISI officials "in the illegal takeover of the housing society."
