Hameed’s controversial past is marked by involvement in political events, alleged manipulation of judicial proceedings, and support for certain political setups. Appointed ISI chief Faiz Hameed in June 2019, he later served as Peshawar corps commander. His early retirement in November 2022 occurred amid significant controversy and tensions between the military and civilian government over his successor’s appointment

Background of Lt. Gen. Chief Faiz Hameed

Lieutenant General (Retd) Faiz Hameed is a prominent figure in Pakistan’s military history, having served as the Director-General of the ISI, one of the most powerful intelligence agencies in the world. His tenure was marked by significant events, both domestically and internationally. Hameed’s role in shaping Pakistan’s policy towards Afghanistan, particularly during the turbulent years of the U.S. withdrawal and the Taliban’s resurgence, is well-documented. He was seen as a key player in managing Pakistan’s complex relationships with neighboring countries and navigating the intricate dynamics of regional security.

However, Hameed’s career has not been without controversy. His tenure as ISI chief saw allegations of political engineering, particularly in relation to the 2018 general elections in Pakistan, where the military and the intelligence agencies were accused of manipulating the results in favor of Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. These allegations, though never proven, have lingered in the background, casting a shadow over his career.

The Top City Scandal

The Top City scandal, which has led to Chief Faiz Hameed’s court-martial, is a complex real estate controversy involving the development of a luxury housing project in Islamabad. Top City-1 is a high-profile real estate project located near Islamabad International Airport, marketed as a prime residential area with modern amenities. However, the project has been mired in allegations of illegal land acquisition, fraud, and corruption.

The core of the scandal revolves around accusations that military officials, including Faiz Hameed, were involved in facilitating the illegal acquisition of land for the project. It is alleged that these officials used their positions of power to influence government agencies, bypass legal procedures, and secure prime real estate at undervalued prices. This not only deprived rightful landowners of fair compensation but also undermined public trust in the military’s role as a guardian of the nation’s interests.

The scandal came to light after whistleblowers and investigative journalists began exposing the irregularities in the project. Reports suggest that influential figures within the military and political elite were involved in the scheme, leading to a massive public outcry. The involvement of high-ranking military officials, including a former ISI chief, has made the case particularly sensitive and complex.

The Court Martial and Its Implications

The decision to court-martial Chief Faiz Hameed is unprecedented in many ways. The Pakistan Army is known for its strict internal discipline and hierarchy, and it is rare for senior officers to be publicly tried for misconduct. The court-martial process is expected to be conducted with a high level of secrecy, given the sensitive nature of the allegations and the potential implications for the military’s image.

The court-martial of a former ISI chief is a significant development, as it underscores the military’s commitment to accountability and transparency, at least on the surface. However, it also raises several critical questions:

1. Why Now?
   The timing of the court-martial has led to speculation about the underlying motives. Some analysts believe that this move is part of a broader effort to clean up the military’s image and restore public confidence in the institution. Others argue that it could be a response to internal power struggles within the military, with rival factions using the scandal to settle scores.
2. Impact on Civil-Military Relations:
   The court-martial of a former ISI chief could have far-reaching implications for civil-military relations in Pakistan. The military has long been a dominant force in the country’s politics, and any signs of internal discord could embolden civilian leaders to assert more control over the military. On the other hand, the trial could also serve as a warning to other military officials to toe the line and avoid actions that could damage the institution’s reputation.
3. Public Perception and Trust:
   The scandal has already eroded public trust in the military to some extent. The court-martial could be seen as a positive step towards restoring that trust, but much will depend on the transparency and fairness of the process. If the trial is perceived as a mere formality or an attempt to scapegoat Faiz Hameed while protecting others involved, it could further damage the military’s credibility.
4. Legal and Political Ramifications:
   The outcome of the court-martial could have significant legal and political ramifications. If Faiz Hameed is found guilty, it could set a precedent for holding other powerful figures accountable for their actions. However, if he is acquitted or if the trial is seen as being influenced by political considerations, it could lead to further polarization and instability in the country.

Broader Context: Corruption and Accountability in Pakistan

The Top City scandal and the court-martial of Faiz Hameed must be viewed within the broader context of corruption and accountability in Pakistan. Corruption has long been a pervasive issue in the country, affecting all levels of society and undermining economic development and social justice. Successive governments have pledged to combat corruption, but progress has been slow and uneven.

The military, while generally viewed as more disciplined and less corrupt than civilian institutions, has not been immune to allegations of wrongdoing. The involvement of senior military officials in corrupt practices has been a recurring issue, and the lack of accountability has often been a source of frustration for the public. The court-martial of a high-ranking officer like Faiz Hameed is a rare event, and it could signal a shift towards greater accountability within the military.

However, the process is fraught with challenges. Ensuring a fair and transparent trial in a case involving powerful figures is difficult, especially in a country where the judiciary and law enforcement agencies are often influenced by political and military interests. The outcome of the court-martial will be closely watched, both within Pakistan and internationally, as it could set a precedent for how the country deals with corruption and abuse of power in the future.