Imran demands open trial of Gen Hamid

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan on Wednesday demanded an open trial of former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief Lt-Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed who was taken into custody by the military on charges of abuse of power and violating the Army Act.

"I demand that the army chief conduct the trial of General Faiz in an open court," the former prime minister said during an informal interaction with journalists in Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail where he has been incarcerated for over a year in different cases ranging from corruption to terrorism.

He argued that his case, as well as that of Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed, was not solely an internal military issue, but a broader concern that affects Pakistan's image. Imran asked in which democracy a former prime minister is tried in a military court. "I'm a former civilian prime minister, and my trial in a military court will tarnish the reputation of Pakistan."

He further said that in an open trial, the media must be allowed to cover it, adding that an open trial will benefit the country and help it develop. "The regime change and May 9 conspiracies will be exposed through an open trial. If I have rebelled, conduct an open trial for me too," he maintained.

Imran further commented on the status of General Faiz Hameed post-retirement. "General Faiz was no longer a hero after his retirement; he became a zero," he asserted, questioning what benefit there would be in maintaining ties with him. He also stated that if Faiz Hameed was the central figure in the May 9 conspiracy, he should be tried in an open court.

"I was in touch with Faiz Hameed till the time he was the DG ISI and I was the prime minister of Pakistan," Imran Khan claimed, adding that as soon as Faiz Hameed retired, he did not remain in contact or any relationship with him.

"If a general retires from the army, he is relieved and has no power," Imran maintained. He emphasized that the May 9 issue is a local matter rather than one of national security.