Tag: Lt Gen Faiz Hameed

  • ‘Allegations on Lt Gen Faiz Hameed, if true, would undermine reputation of federal government, armed forces, ISI and Pakistan Rangers’: Supreme Court

    ‘Allegations on Lt Gen Faiz Hameed, if true, would undermine reputation of federal government, armed forces, ISI and Pakistan Rangers’: Supreme Court

    The Supreme Court of Pakistan has issued a written order addressing the allegations made by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Top City-1 Housing Society against the former Director-General of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed.

    The Supreme Court observed that allegations leveled by the private housing society CEO against the former spy chief are of an “extremely serious nature” and would tarnish the reputation of the federal government if proven true.

    The observations come as the top court issued a written order for the November 8 hearing of the petition filed by Moeez Ahmed Khan against the former general.

    The three-member bench, led by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Qazi Faez Isa, alongside Justice Athar Minallah and Justice Aminuddin Khan, had disposed of the constitutional petition last week.

    The petitioner, Moeez Ahmed Khan, had alleged abduction by retired army officers, including Gen Faiz.

    The written order said: “The allegations are of an extremely serious nature, and if true, undoubtedly would undermine the reputation of the federal government, the armed forces, ISI and Pakistan Rangers, therefore, they cannot be left unattended.”

    The court noted that Moeez may have reservations that a complaint filed in the Ministry of Defence would not be entertained because the accused held senior positions in the armed forces.

    “However, the learned AAG (Additional Attorney General) has assured us that the complaint/grievance will be given due consideration, and we have no reason to doubt this statement made on behalf of the government of Pakistan,” the court noted in its order, adding that the apprehension of the applicant is “misplaced.”

    “Accordingly, if the applicant (Moeez Ahmed Khan) submits a complaint/grievance to the Ministry of Defence of the government of Pakistan, it shall be dealt with in accordance with law,” Chief Justice Isa observed as he disposed of the matter.

    Additionally, the order granted the applicant the liberty to explore other legal remedies as per the established legal procedures.

    The Petition

    As per the petition, on May 12, 2017, the Pakistan Rangers and officials of the ISI raided the office of Top City and Moeez’s residence and took away valuables, including gold and diamond ornaments and money, in connection with a purported terrorism case.

    “On May 12, 2017, my house and office were raided on the orders of General (Rtd) Faiz Hamid. During the raid, valuables and records of our private housing society were stolen,” the petitioner had claimed.

    The petition further stated that Gen Hameed’s brother Sardar Najaf mediated and tried to resolve the issue. After his acquittal, the petition claimed, Gen Hameed contacted Moeez through the latter’s cousin — a brigadier in the army — to arrange a meeting.

    The petition claimed that during the meeting, Gen Hameed told the petitioner that he would return some of the items taken away during the raid except for 400 tola gold and cash.

    The petition claimed that retired brigadier Naeem Fakhar and retired brigadier Ghaffar of the ISI allegedly “forced” the petitioner to “pay 4 crores in cash” and “sponsor a private AAP TV network for a few months”.

    As per the petition, former ISI officials Irtaza Haroon, Sardar Najaf, Wasim Tabish, Zahid Mehmood Malik, and Mohammad Munir were also “involved in the illegal takeover of the housing society”.

  • Was General (retd) Faiz Hameed part of ‘Qabza Mafia’?

    Was General (retd) Faiz Hameed part of ‘Qabza Mafia’?

    The Supreme Court of Pakistan has rejected a petition against former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed, accusing him of land grabbing.

    During a hearing on a human rights case against the former Director General of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), a three-judge bench led by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa heard the plea.

    Disposing of the petition, the Supreme Court told the petitioner that he had other relevant forums to approach.

    “The Supreme Court has disposed of the petition without discussing the merits of the case,” it added.

    The additional attorney general said that the petitioner can refer to the Ministry of Defence and retired military officers can also be court-martialled, said the top court.

    Justice Athar Minallah emphasized the distinction between the human rights cell and the Supreme Court, stating that the cell lacked legal authority or status.

    The petitioner’s claims centered on the alleged illegal actions of the former spy chief, which were purportedly aimed at gaining control of a housing project.

    The petitioner urged the federal government to take action against Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed and requested the court’s permission to present evidence for his arguments.

    CJP Isa noted the seriousness of the allegations and inquired whether the petitioner would appear in the case personally or through a lawyer.

    The petitioner mentioned that he had recently engaged a lawyer and requested an adjournment to prepare.

    However, CJP Isa remarked that the court will not order an adjournment and instructed the counsel to prepare for the case.

    The Supreme Court ultimately directed the petitioner to seek other appropriate forums for their grievance.

    The court also mentioned the option of approaching the Defense Ministry in the case of allegations against a retired army officer.

    The Petition

    A housing society’s CEO filed a petition with the human rights cell (HRC) of the Supreme Court seeking action against former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) director general Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed over alleged land grabbing and stealing valuables.

    “On May 12, 2017, my house and office were raided on the orders of General (Rtd) Faiz Hameed. During the raid, valuables and records of our private housing society were stolen,” said the petitioner Moeez Ahmed Khan.

    In his petition, Khan said that the purpose of illegal proceedings against him was to take control of TopCity-1, a housing society located at Srinagar Highway in Islamabad.

    “After the raid, I along with my five other colleagues were kept in confinement. The federal government should take action against Gen (Rtd) Faiz Hameed, his brother Najaf, and others,” said the petitioner.

  • ‘Gen Bajwa should be saluted or should he be criticised?’ Zardari

    ‘Gen Bajwa should be saluted or should he be criticised?’ Zardari

    Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) co-chair Asif Ali Zardari said on Wednesday said that the army was “apolitical” for the first time, asking whether the situation warranted saluting Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa or “fighting” with him.

    “Should Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa be saluted for [keeping] the army apolitical or shall he be criticised?” asked Zardari, adding that the government will try to make sure “they” remain apolitical and neutral in the future.

    Faiz Hameed has been khuddi laen (sidelined)

    When asked whether he would salute former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief Lt Gen Faiz Hameed, Zardari replied, “he has been khuddi laen (sidelined).”

    Talking about the judiciary, which has been criticised by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan, Zardari said he had never run a campaign against them.

    “[Former military ruler] Pervez Musharraf kept me in jail for five years but we did not attack his house and I have said internationally, I want to see Musharraf alive.”

    “I think we should let the institution do its work and help them.”

    General elections only after the government introduces electoral reforms

    Asif Ali Zardari said that Pakistan would move towards general elections only after the government introduces electoral reforms.

    “Electoral and NAB (National Accountability Bureau) reforms are included in our game plan,” the ex-president said during a a meeting with journalists, noting that if polls are held before reforms, then any government that comes into power will face the issues that the past and present regimes are facing.

    “We have to change laws and improve them and then go to elections. Whether it takes three or four months, we have to work on implementation of policies and improving the electoral process,” Zardari said at a press conference in Karachi.

    He said he had consulted Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Mian Nawaz Sharif and “made him understand that as soon as our reforms and low-hanging fruit targets are complete [we can go to polls]”.

    When will the new army chief be appointed?

    Defence Minister Khawaja Asif in a recent interview said that there was a possibility of holding elections before November. In response, Zardari said the PML-N leader had his own thoughts and was bound to listen to his party’s directives.

    “The PML-N decided with me that until electoral reforms were brought, there would be no [talk] about the new army chief’s appointment.” Once the electoral reforms had been introduced and the economic situation had improved and the parliament believes it is time to go for elections, polls can then be held, he added.

    ‘Out of box solutions to fix economy’

    Speaking on the economy, Zardari said, “We did not take any votes from the PTI’s dissident lawmakers,” he said, adding that he has come to power to know the prices of “aaloo, tamatar, unlike Khan.”

    Zardari also called for “out of the box” solutions to fix Pakistan’s economy as the country faces an uphill task on the fiscal front.

    He maintained that the new government will take some time to control the situation. Asif Zardari said that the nation will have to face problems until the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme is finalised.

    He said he had a lot of “out-of-the-box thought processes”, including about the State Life Insurance Corporation. “It is an investment of more than Rs100 billion. Give 26 per cent of it to a business house with a good track record and float 26pc [of its shares] in the market. You will get at least Rs8 to 10bn.”

     There is no such thing. He (Imran) has created a political myth:

    Zardari, while responding to a question, said he had not read the cable that Imran claimed contained proof of a “foreign conspiracy” to oust him.

    “I do not believe any [US] State Department official is irresponsible enough to [say] what you have read out to me. There is no such thing. He (Imran) has created a political myth. What need does the US have [to interfere]?”

    The former president said Pakistan needs to correct its policies and portray itself as a safe haven so the international community would consider it as a partner.

    He slammed Imran for labelling his opponents as Mir Jafars and Mir Sadiqs. “If anyone can run the country, it is us, not him. His own friends left him because they (PTI) could not fulfil their political commitments.”

  • PM Shehbaz plans grand jirga over NWA situation

    PM Shehbaz plans grand jirga over NWA situation

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he will soon convene a grand jirga of North Waziristan tribal elders in Islamabad to find a way out of the prevailing situation in the tribal region.

    “Restoration of lasting peace in North Waziristan tribal district is the top most priority of my government.”

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was speaking during a daylong visit to Miramshah, the headquarters of North Waziristan on Thursday. The prime minister addressed a gathering the elders of Uthmanzai tribe. Earlier, senior civil and military officials and elders of the area received the prime minister.

    Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah, Defence Minister Khwaja Asif, Minister for Religious Affairs Mufti Abdul Shakoor, PM’s adviser Amir Muqam and MNA Mohsin Dawar accompanied the PM. According to officials, Peshawar Corps Commander Lt-Gen Faiz Hameed briefed the prime minister on the prevailing law and order situation in the area.

    Addressing the jirga, PM Sharif said the people of North Waziristan had suffered miseries and rendered matchless sacrifices for the motherland, adding that the government would not ignore their sacrifices.

    On the demand of Mohsin Dawar, the prime minister announced the establishment of a university, a medical college, a mobile hospital and Danish school in North Waziristan. The prime minister said he would soon announce more development schemes for the district.

    He expressed gratitude to the tribal elders for their support in the war against terrorism for a peaceful and prosperous Pakistan and assured them that the government would do all to bring comfort in local populace and ensure socio-economic development as dividends of the fight against terrorism.

    On arrival in Miramshah, PM Sharif was received by Chief of the Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa. The prime minister laid floral wreath at the Shuhada monument and offered fateha for valiant sons of the soil who rendered supreme sacrifices while defending the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Pakistan.

  • EXCLUSIVE: Which senior army official was photoshopped from Bill Gates meeting picture?

    EXCLUSIVE: Which senior army official was photoshopped from Bill Gates meeting picture?

    Yesterday, a picture was released by the Prime Minister’s Office of a luncheon hosted by PM Imran Khan in honour of Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft, and co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF). Gates was on a one-day visit to Pakistan yesterday, which was also his first-ever visit to the country.

    The picture in which PM Khan and Bill Gates are sitting with Fawad Chaudhry, Asad Umar, Mahmood Khan, Azam Khan, Shaukat Tarin, Shah Farman, Khalid Khurshid and several others at the main table sparked a debate on Twitter for a missing link. If one looks at the picture closely, someone between Dr Faisal Sultan and Mahmood Khan seems to be ‘missing’.

    Twitter users wondered who had been photoshopped out of the picture while some Twitter users tried to guess the name of the person.

    Journalist Cyril Almeida tweeted: “A day later, the mystery of who was photoshopped out of this pic continues… but if rumour is to be believed…”

    https://twitter.com/cyalm/status/1494569851595206678
    Who was photoshopped?

    The Current reached out to its sources and confirmed that it was the Director-General (DG) of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Lieutenant General Nadeem Anjum who had been photoshopped from the luncheon meeting picture.

    Ansar Abbasi had reported for The News in December 2021 that the new DG ISI has asked all authorities concerned not to release to the media his picture or video footage made during an official meeting. As per The Current’s sources, it was due to this policy that he had to be taken out of the official picture released by the PM Office yesterday.

    It’s a standing instruction for all concerned from the incumbent DG ISI not to release any of his pictures or video footage of any official meeting that he attends.

    Read More: New spy chief says no to the media

    Lt Gen Nadeem Ahmed Anjum was appointed as new DG ISI in October 2021. The post was previously held by Lt Gen Faiz Hameed who is now Corps Commander Peshawar.

  • Lt Gen Nadeem Ahmed Anjum to take charge as DG ISI on Nov 20

    Lt Gen Nadeem Ahmed Anjum to take charge as DG ISI on Nov 20

    Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan issued a notification on October 26 for the appointment of a new director-general (DG) of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agency. Lt Gen Nadeem Ahmed Anjum has been appointed as the new DG ISI and will take charge on November 20.

    Notification for the appointment of the General Officers

    Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa called on Prime Minister Imran Khan today.

    The meeting was part of the ongoing consultation process between the premier and army chief about the timing of change of command in ISI and selection of the new DG ISI.

    During this process, a list of officers was received from the Ministry of Defence. Prime Minister interviewed all the nominees. A final round of consultation was held between the Prime Minister and Chief of Army Staff today.

    After this detailed consultative process, the name of Lt Gen Nadeem Anjum was approved as the new DG ISI.

    The designated DG ISI shall assume charge on November 20.

    October 6: The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced a reshuffle in the army, in which Lt Gen Anjum replaced Lt Gen Faiz Hameed, who has been posted as Commander of Peshawar-based Corps XI.

    October 12: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry on Tuesday confirmed the meeting between PM Khan and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa, and said, “PM Khan is the authority in appointing the DG ISI,” further adding that “all legal methods will be adopted in the appointment of the new director-general”.

    October 13: Fawad took to Twitter and said, “The process of consultation between PM Imran Khan and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa over the appointment of the new DG ISI has been completed and the process for the new appointment is now underway.”

    However, rumours started circulating that PM Khan wanted Lt Gen Faiz Hameed to continue serving as the spymaster for some time due to the critical situation in neighbouring Afghanistan.

    October 14: PM Khan convened an emergency meeting of the ruling party’s parliamentary group at Parliament House. Journalists questioned PM Khan about the appointment of the DG ISI. PM Khan did not answer the questions but laughed in response.

    Prior to this, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Co-chairperson and former President Asif Ali Zardari, made an appearance before an accountability court in Islamabad today, where journalists questioned him about the appointment of DG ISI and he responded with laughter as well.

    October 15: Fawad told the media that the notification regarding the appointment of the new DG ISI would be issued in two to three days.

    News started circulating that PM Khan would take interviews of the potential candidates for the appointment of the new DG ISI and that a new summary with names of candidates for the position of ISI chief had been sent to the Prime Minister. Fawad denied the news and said, “Prime Minister Imran Khan will just meet all candidates (for the slot of DG ISI).”

    October 19: Fawad said, “All the matters have been resolved” and announced that the notification of the new DG ISI would be issued this week.

    “It [Opposition] is thinking that there are some differences between the government and security institutions but its euphoria is gradually fading,” said Fawad.

  • ‘Consultation between PM and army chief over new DG ISI complete’: Fawad

    ‘Consultation between PM and army chief over new DG ISI complete’: Fawad

    Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry on Wednesday took to Twitter and said, “The process of consultation between Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa over the appointment of the new Director-General (DG) of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) has been completed and the process for the new appointment is now underway.”

    “The civil-military leadership has once again proven that all institutions are united for the country’s stability, integrity, and progress,” said Fawad.

    Fawad on Tuesday addressed a press conference. “PM Khan is the authority in appointing the DG ISI,” further adding that “all legal methods will be adopted in the appointment of the new director-general”.

    It has been a week since Lieutenant (Lt) General Nadeem Ahmed Anjum was appointed as DG ISI, the post previously held by Lt Gen Faiz Hameed.

  • Lt Gen Faiz Hameed posted as Peshawar corps commander

    Lt Gen Faiz Hameed posted as Peshawar corps commander

    Lieutenant (Lt) General Faiz Hameed, formerly the director-general of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), has been posted as the Peshawar Corps Commander, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in an announcement.

    It has not yet been announced who will replace Gen Faiz as the ISI chief.

    ISPR announced two other postings as well. Lt Gen Mohammad Amir has been posted as Gujranwala Corps Commander while Lt Gen Asim Munir has been appointed as the Quarter Master General.

    Nadeem Ahmad Anjum has been appointed as the DG ISI.

  • ‘We should export Burnol to India after seeing their jealousy over Afghanistan’: Fawad Chaudhry

    ‘We should export Burnol to India after seeing their jealousy over Afghanistan’: Fawad Chaudhry

    “Seeing India’s jealousy over the situation in Afghanistan, we should export Burnol to them,” said Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry.

    https://twitter.com/FawadPTIUpdates/status/1434458264553639936

    Regarding Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agency’s director-general Lt-Gen Faiz Hameed’s visit to Kabul, Chaudhry said, “General Faiz is not the first intelligence chief to visit Kabul. Earlier, according to the United States (US) media, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) chief, Turkish and Qatari intelligence chiefs had visited Kabul as well.”

    “Pakistan’s efforts to evacuate foreigners from Afghanistan are immense and we will continue to do so,” added Fawad.

    https://twitter.com/FawadPTIUpdates/status/1434444791580868608

    “It would not be fair to say that we should not care for the people who did not leave Kabul,” added the minister.

    https://twitter.com/FawadPTIUpdates/status/1434444791580868608

    The federal minister further said, “Unconventional contacts are necessary for discussion on various issues at a time when there is a power vacuum in Afghanistan.”

    “There’s no government in Afghanistan at present and there’s a power vacuum there. In such a situation, who should a leader from the political setup of Pakistan meet there? The prime minister and foreign minister will meet their counterparts [who are not there],” said the minister.