The fallen general

In an unprecedented conviction, a decorated three-star general and former ISI chief was sentenced to 14 years' rigorous imprisonment under the Army Act. He was found guilty on all the four counts, after standing a trial for more than a year with full recourse to his chosen defence. The Army, as an institution, has come a long way in ensuring that accountability remains a cornerstone of its discipline, and has redeemed its image at a time when smear campaigns are being launched to undermine its professional veracity. The Court Martial of former spymaster Faiz Hameed for many is "just the beginning" as the army goes on to cleanse the Augean stables of men who overstep their authority and bring a bad name to the fifth powerful military in the world.

Gen Faiz was charged with engaging in political activities; violating the Official Secret Act; misusing his authority and government resources; and causing wrongful loss to persons. He was squarely found to be on the wrong side of the divide, after a meticulous and judicious trial. The statement from the military spokesperson, however, made a special reference by saying that the "involvement of [the] convict in fomenting vested political agitation and instability in cohorts with political elements, and in certain other matters, is separately being dealt with". This is where the plot thickens and pundits are of the view that many more uniformed and civilian heads could roll.

The fallen general, however, has a right to appeal, and this is where the fairness of the trial process shall be known to the masses. One of the most annoying charges, nonetheless, against the officer — who once held the pinnacle of power — was meddling with a private real estate society for wrongful monetary gains. The fact that he was prosecuted and sentenced, accordingly, is a tribute indeed to the process of stipulated rules and regulations and self-accountability, and certainly deserves laurels. This will certainly serve as a deterrent for future adventurists, and has sent shivers down the spine for all those in the woods.

The high-profile trial and sentencing will go a long way in dispelling the alleged conjunction between civil and military establishments, and must uphold the neutrality of armed forces personnel. The cleansing process should continue unabated, and encompass all those on whom a finger has been pointed at in yesteryears. This is where the responsibility rests with the political cadres, civil society and intelligentsia to compartmentalise organograms, and be categorical on gray areas in socialising and interactions.

A struggling democratic process direly needs to see to it that the principle of separation of powers among the organs of the state as enshrined in the Constitution is followed in letter and spirit. The armed forces and its leadership's role in being apolitical is at the crux, and this court martial has taken a leap forward in differentiating the wheat from the chaff. Faiz certainly has a tale to tell as he is blamed for influencing the judiciary and being in cahoots with politicians. Let the appellate hear him out and bring the co-accused too in the dock.