ISLAMABAD:
Leaders of the ruling alliance on Thursday termed the conviction of former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief Lieutenant General (retd) Faiz Hameed as a watershed moment, framing the rigorous 14-year imprisonment handed down by a Field General Court Martial (FGCM) as a reckoning with the past and the emergence of an order of accountability within state institutions.
The ruling camp reacted quickly to the former spy chief’s downfall, with senior leaders saying the consequences of decisions made under the era of a general long seen as the architect of its political problems were finally emerging.
Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, in a post on
“The country will continue to reap the seeds sown by Faiz Hameed and General [retd] Bajwa for years,” he wrote.
“May God forgive us. May those in power recognize that authority is a divine trust and use it for the well-being of His creation. May the fear of God guide rulers. Amen.”
Federal Information Minister Atta Tarar also weighed in, calling the verdict a “landmark” and “landmark” ruling which he said would strengthen the rule of law.
He told a private broadcaster that red lines had long been crossed and political interference had occurred, claiming that the former ISI chief had acted as “political advisor to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)” and had provided the party with “full political support”.
Tarar emphasized that the trial had been fair and said Hameed was given every opportunity to defend himself, including presenting evidence and witnesses in his favor. He added that investigations into Hameed’s alleged political role were still ongoing and would continue.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the former spy chief had also been sanctioned in the Top City case, in which Hameed was accused of abusing his position to extort money from a private housing society.
In a statement, Tarar said the former ISI chief’s conviction was based on “evidence”.
“Today the person who crossed the red line has been punished,” he added. The minister said Hameed was given “full opportunity” to defend himself during the trial and present witnesses.
“After all witness statements were recorded and evidence was presented, a fair verdict was rendered.”
Tarar further stated that no one was above the law and that legal action would be taken against anyone “who crosses the red line.”
He said Hameed had “abused his authority and there will be further investigations into political matters.”
The minister also alleged that Hameed had been the PTI’s “political advisor”.
Tarar further stated: “The process of self-responsibility within the army is very strong and now everyone has seen a clear example of it. [ ] “Today’s decision is a victory for truth and justice.”
