Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is currently imprisoned in Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, has distanced himself from former ISI chief Lt. Gen. (retd) Faiz Hameed, despite their once close association. Hameed, known for his pivotal role during Khan’s premiership, has recently been arrested and is facing court-martial proceedings related to the Top City housing scheme scandal.
Speaking to journalists in jail, Khan described Hameed’s situation as an “internal matter” of the military and welcomed the Army’s move toward internal accountability. He stated, “If the military wants the accountability of General Faiz, it should proceed and do it.” Khan emphasized that he had no current connection with Hameed.
During his tenure as ISI chief from 2019 to 2021, Hameed was considered close to Khan, especially during a critical period involving Afghanistan. Khan admitted that he opposed Hameed’s removal from the ISI, particularly because of Hameed’s engagement with the Afghan government and the Taliban. He described Hameed as an “asset” to Pakistan but expressed regret that his potential had been “wasted.” Khan also mentioned that he repeatedly urged former Army Chief Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa not to remove Hameed, believing it was a mistake that contributed to his government’s downfall.
Khan further claimed that Hameed’s removal and his own ouster were influenced by Nawaz and Shehbaz Sharif of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), who allegedly pressured Gen. Bajwa into the decision. He also expressed concern over Defence Minister Khawaja Asif’s statement linking Hameed to the May 9 riots, calling for an investigation into the matter.
The Top City case, which has brought Hameed under legal scrutiny, involves accusations of misuse of authority. The Supreme Court of Pakistan has labeled these allegations as “extremely serious,” warning that if proven true, they could damage the reputation of the federal government and military institutions. Hameed’s court-martial is unprecedented, marking the first time a former intelligence chief in Pakistan has faced such proceedings. Khan stressed that accountability should not be selective and that others involved in misconduct should also be held accountable.
Khan’s statements reflect the ongoing tensions between him and the military establishment, which was once instrumental in his rise to power but has since played a role in his political decline.
