Ex-ISI Chief Faiz Hameed's Arrest Deemed Internal Military Issue by Former Premier

Pakistan's jailed former premier on Tuesday described the arrest of ex-ISI chief Faiz Hameed as an internal military matter, asserting that the army's actions against the former general were unrelated to his party. Hameed, who led the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) from 2019 to 2021 during Khan's tenure, faced accusations of political interference.

Khan's legal representative, Intezar Panjutha, conveyed that Khan stated, "it is the army’s internal matter" and that any action taken by the army had no connection with him or his party. Panjutha made these comments after a meeting between Khan and his senior lawyers at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi.

Military Matters and Political Connections

Panjutha quoted Khan as saying it was purely a military issue with no political ties to him. He further clarified that there had been no political connection between Khan and General Faiz. According to Panjutha, Khan also claimed that former army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa had replaced General Faiz after making a deal with Nawaz Sharif.

Earlier, in an unprecedented move, Hameed was detained by military authorities. Court martial proceedings were initiated against him on charges of corruption, misuse of authority, and violating the Pakistan Army Act. This marked a significant development within the military ranks.

Call for Judicial Commission

Khan suggested that if General Faiz’s arrest was linked to the events of May 9, it would be an ideal time to form a judicial commission and reveal the CCTV footage from that day. Panjutha noted this suggestion during his remarks. This call for transparency aimed to shed light on the circumstances surrounding Hameed's arrest.

Khan also urged his followers to peacefully protest for freedom, emphasizing the importance of taking to the streets for the country's sake. He stressed peaceful demonstrations as a means to express their concerns and aspirations.

Concerns Over Supreme Court Pressure

Panjutha highlighted Khan’s worries about increasing pressure on the Supreme Court, disillusionment among youth, and deteriorating conditions in Pakistan compared to Bangladesh. He mentioned that Khan believed it was time for Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa to step back. Additionally, he pointed out that three seats were allegedly taken away from Khan's party the previous day.

The situation underscores ongoing tensions within Pakistan's political and military landscape. The arrest of a high-ranking military official like Hameed signals significant internal strife within the armed forces. It also reflects broader issues of governance and accountability in Pakistan.

Khan's statements and actions indicate his continued influence and concern over national matters despite being jailed. His calls for peaceful protests and judicial transparency highlight his ongoing engagement with political processes and public sentiment in Pakistan.