Islamabad (Web Desk): Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former premier Imran Khan on Wednesday demanded open court trial of former director general of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Lt General (retd) Faiz Hameed.
During an informal conversation with journalists, Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail where has been incarcerated for over a year in different cases ranging from corruption to terrorism, the PTI founder called for an open trial of the former spy chief saying that media should be given access to cover it.
He said if Gen Faiz Hameed is indeed the mastermind behind the May 9 conspiracy, then the trial should be held openly.
Khan added that the incident was a local issue rather than a matter of national security.
“General Faiz became insignificant after retirement. How could he benefit me in any way?” the former premier questioned, dismissing the notion that he maintains contact with the former DG ISI.
Following the arrest of Faiz Hameed, Imran Khan had distanced himself from the former spy chief ISI, claiming that he has no connection with him.
Welcoming the development, the former prime minister said it was good that army launched the process of internal accountability, he noted. However, he urged the military to ensure that the process of accountability should be across the board.
"If the military wants the accountability of General Faiz, it should proceed and do it," the former premier said, asserting that it is the army's internal matter.
On August 12, in a statement following Hameed’s arrest, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said, “Complying with the orders of Supreme Court of Pakistan, a detailed court of inquiry, was undertaken by Pakistan Army, to ascertain correctness of complaints in Top City Case made against Lt Gen Faiz Hameed (Retd). Consequently, appropriate disciplinary action has been initiated against Lt Gen Faiz Hameed (Retd), under provisions of Pakistan Army Act,”
“In addition, multiple instances of violation of Pakistan Army Act post retirement have also been established. The process of Field General Court Martial has been initiated and Lt Gen Faiz Hameed (Retd) has been taken into military custody,” the statement added.
Earlier in April this year, Pakistan Army had constituted a high-level inquiry committee headed by a major general to look into the allegations against Lt-Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed that he as ISI director general misused his authority.
The inquiry had been ordered in pursuant to the orders of the Supreme Court and in the light of the directives of the Ministry of Defence, according to the people familiar with the development.
This was the first formal inquiry ordered against Gen Faiz, who resigned in November 2022, four months before his retirement date.
