Khawaja Asif alleges Faiz Hameed's involvement in May 9 riots

Defence minister says ex-spymaster played a significant role in political developments after his retirement

Following the arrest of former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief General (retd) Faiz Hameed by the military, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif revealed that the ex-spymaster played a significant role in the political developments after his retirement in November 2022.

During an interview on a private news channel on Monday, Asif stated, "After his retirement, the political events that unfolded had Faiz's involvement. Knowing him, he never hesitates to stir things up, especially someone like him who wielded immense power and then had to step back."

When asked about Hameed’s alleged involvement in the May 9 incidents, Asif suggested that if the rumours are accurate, the former ISI chief was likely not acting alone.

"He might have provided logistics and used his experience to guide actions aimed at causing greater damage," he commented. "It’s possible he served as a strategic adviser during the May 9 events. While I can't say this with absolute certainty, the evidence and circumstances suggest his involvement."

Asif also touched upon the close relationship between Hameed and former army chief General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa, noting that their fathers-in-law were very close, which, he claimed, solidified their bond.

On Monday, the military announced that Hameed had been taken into custody by the army on charges of land grabbing and forcibly taking valuables from the owner of a private housing society, as stated by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

The military's media wing further disclosed that disciplinary proceedings under the Pakistan Army Act had been initiated against the former ISI chief.

The ISPR highlighted that multiple violations of the Army Act by Hameed after his retirement had been confirmed, leading to the commencement of a Field General Court Martial process.