Faiz's arrest just the beginning, say pro-govt politicians

Pro-government politicians believe the arrest and initiation of court martial proceedings against Lt-Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed on Monday was just the tip of the iceberg and more details would come out in public after a full inquiry into the matter.

Adviser to Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah and Senator Faisal Vawda, while giving their reaction to the arrest of Gen Faiz, opined that the initiation of court martial proceedings indicated that there was strong evidence against him.

"Several irregularities committed by Faiz Hameed have been revealed in the housing scheme case," Rana Sana, also a senior leader of the PML-N, said. "When there is an inquiry into other matters, other things will also come to light," he added.

Sana cautioned against any speculation on the matter, stressing that "we must confine ourselves" to the statement by ISPR. "The court-martial process has to proceed according to military procedures", he said.

Sana's views were echoed by Senator Vawda, who said in a separate statement that, by proceeding against Gen Faiz, the army had sent a message that its current leadership was honest. "This is just the beginning. More heavyweights will fall", he said.

Referring to the charges against Gen Faiz, which stemmed from the Top City housing scheme case, Vawda believed that more names in the case would also be exposed. "It is not just about corruption. All those who harmed Pakistan [in any way] will be held accountable."

Vawda said that it was now the turn of all those who had protected theft, including politicians, adding that those who had supported the May 9 violence would also be held accountable.