Ahsan
09/08/2024
General Faiz Hameed’s Background
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!General Faiz Hameed was the Director General of the Inter-Services Intelligence agency from 2019 to 2021. He was appointed by the Prime Minister at the time, who is currently in jail. Hameed was considered one of the closest allies of Imran Khan and a leading figure in the country’s politics.
Early Life and Career
General Faiz Hameed was born in 1960 in Pakistan. After graduating from the Pakistan Military Academy, he commissioned into the Pakistan Army in 1983. Throughout his career, he served in various assignments, including as the Director General of Military Operations and Commander of X Corps.
Rise to Prominence
Hameed’s rise to prominence began in 2019 when he was appointed Director-General of the Inter-Services Intelligence Agency by then-Prime Minister Imran Khan. As the head of ISI, Hameed was responsible for the country’s intelligence operations and played a crucial role in shaping Pakistan’s national security policy.
Connection with Imran Khan
Hameed’s association with Imran Khan is a significant part of his narrative. Imran Khan had promoted Hameed as chief of ISI in 2019. At one point, both were considered close allies, and Hameed was reported to be a vital part of the Khan government machinery. His loyalty extended to subscribing to the policies put forth by the former prime minister, including the Kashmir issue. However, the true nature of their relationship and the extent of Hameed’s involvement in the government headed by Khan is not explicitly clear.
Controversies and Criticisms
During his tenure as ISI chief, Hameed was involved in several controversies regarding meddling in politics and supporting certain political parties. He was also severely criticized for his handling of the Kashmir issue and the role of foreign policy in the country.
Allegations of Meddling in Politics
Hameed was accused of rigging the 2018 general elections, which gave a landslide victory to the PTI party and its chief Imran Khan. The opposition, comprising the PML-N and the PPP, among others, pointed fingers at him. Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khwaja Asif accused Hameed of political interference against the Pakistan Army Act, which clearly prohibits army officials from indulging in political activities for two years from the date of retirement. According to Asif, Hameed had played an advisory role in a strategic manner during the May 9, 2023 attack reportedly staged by supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Handling of the Kashmir Issue
Hameed faced criticism over the Kashmir issue, especially after the 2019 Pulwama attack. A Pakistan-based militant group launched the attack, killing 40 Indian security personnel. Many accused Hameed of inaction in this regard.
Role in the Foreign Policy of the Country
Hameed has also been criticized for his role in shaping Pakistan’s foreign policy, especially with regard to the United States. Accusations were raised against him about being too close to the US and not taking the concerns of other countries, including China and Russia, into consideration.
Property Scandal
In 2022, Hameed was embroiled in a property scandal when it was reported that he received multiple properties in Islamabad through corrupt means. The scandal led to widespread criticism and an outcry.
Court Martial and Arrest
Mr. Hameed was arrested in August 2024 on charges of breaching military rules and regulations. He was subsequently court-martialed and is currently standing trial. This is seen as a significant move in Pakistani politics, marking the first-of-its-kind trial of a retired spy chief.
Impact and Aftermath
The arrest and court-martial of General Faiz Hameed have far-reaching effects on Pakistan’s politics and military. This is interpreted as a measure to restore discipline and accountability within the institution. The development has also sparked a debate about the role of the military in politics and the need for greater transparency and accountability.
Conclusion
The story of General Faiz Hameed is complex, full of controversy, power struggle, and politics. His rise to the top and subsequent fall serve as a reminder of the intricacies and challenges of Pakistan’s politics and military. The country, at this critical juncture in its history, is now focused on how the trial of Gen Hameed will proceed and what implications it will have on the future of Pakistan.
Table of Content
- General Faiz Hameed’s Background
- Early Life and Career
- Rise to Prominence
- Connection with Imran Khan
- Controversies and Criticisms
- Allegations of Meddling in Politics
- Handling of the Kashmir Issue
- Role in the Foreign Policy of the Country
- Property Scandal
- Court Martial and Arrest
- Impact and Aftermath
- Conclusion
