‘Faiz Hameed an asset that was wasted,’ says Imran

Ex-PM reveals clash with General (retd) Bajwa over removal of former ISI chief

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan on Thursday criticised the military's treatment of the country’s former spymaster, Lt-Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed, calling him an "asset" that was wasted.

Speaking informally to journalists at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, Imran said the military's investigation into Faiz Hameed is their "internal matter" and does not concern him. However, he noted that holding the former DG ISI accountable is positive but suggested accountability should be across the board.

The former prime minister alleged that General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa removed Faiz Hameed at the behest of Nawaz Sharif and Shehbaz Sharif. He revealed that a heated exchange took place between him and General Bajwa following the decision.

PTI founder also referred to Intelligence Bureau (IB) reports, claiming that Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Ahmad Khan frequently visited General Bajwa. He stated that Defence Minister Khawaja Asif’s recent comments regarding Bajwa’s extension validate his stance.

Touching upon constitutional matters, Imran warned of another constitutional breach if the PTI is denied its reserved seats. He indicated preparations within the party to challenge such violations.

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.

Following the arrest, 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, 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.