Faiz's trial

The former spy chief has been formally indicted which sets the ball rolling for his court martial. The powerful ex-boss of ISI, Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed is in the dock for three counts: abusing his authority; engaging in political activities; and violating anti-espionage laws. This is a first of its kind indictment of any intelligence sleuth, and goes on to establish the writ of the armed forces, its stipulated discipline and self-accountability.

While Faiz has been in custody since August, there were rumours that he might be forced to turn an approver against incarcerated former PM Imran Khan leading to a tumultuous process of political victimisation. But the fact that he is indicted and will be given a fair trial has dispelled the plausible conjunction between politics and military establishment, setting a healthy precedent in times of pestering instability.

Faiz, who was primarily booked on a complaint from a real estate tycoon for alleged meddling in housing society affairs, also got the flak for his alleged involvement with political elements across the board and also for overstepping his mandate in office. Fraught with serious ramifications, the case is in need of being heard in all fairness. It should also make officers in rank and file stand trial who were part of hobnobbing so that institutional justice comes full circle.

The case comes as an opportunity in disaster to correct the course of history and reaffirm military discipline, which was lacking in the backdrop of non-implementation of Supreme Court's decision in Air Marshal (retd) Asghar Khan's case. The apex court in 2012 had directed the government to take necessary action against the then top military officers in funding a political alliance in 1990, as they were accused of dishing out Rs140 million to achieve desired electoral results.

The court martial, which will be watched and commented on by the world at large, should strictly remain apolitical in essence and the accused be allowed to defend himself under his institutional provisions without any malaise against the decorated officer.