Former Prime Minister Imran Khan has voiced his strong disapproval of the military’s handling of Pakistan’s former spymaster, Lieutenant General (retd) Faiz Hameed, labeling him as an “asset” that has been squandered. Speaking informally with journalists during a visit to Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, Khan expressed his views on the ongoing investigation into the former Director-General of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), emphasizing that while the investigation is the military’s “internal matter,” the situation raises broader questions about accountability within the armed forces.
Imran Khan, who founded the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, underscored the significance of Faiz Hameed’s contributions during his tenure, referring to him as a valuable asset whose potential has been mismanaged. He highlighted that holding Hameed accountable is a positive step, yet he stressed that such accountability should not be selective but should extend across all levels of the military and beyond.
The former prime minister also shed light on the alleged circumstances that led to Faiz Hameed’s removal from his position. He claimed that the decision to remove Hameed was influenced by former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and current Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, with General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa executing the order. Khan revealed that this decision resulted in a heated exchange between him and General Bajwa, which further strained their relationship.
Imran Khan’s comments reflect his long-standing criticism of the military’s involvement in political affairs, which he believes has undermined democratic processes in Pakistan. By referring to Faiz Hameed as an “asset,” Khan seems to be drawing attention to what he views as the squandering of competent individuals who could have significantly contributed to the country’s stability and security.
In his conversation with the media, Khan also referred to Intelligence Bureau (IB) reports that allegedly document frequent visits by Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Ahmad Khan to General Bajwa. According to Khan, these visits suggest a closer-than-acknowledged relationship between the former army chief and certain political figures, which raises concerns about the impartiality of military actions.
Khan also pointed to recent statements made by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, which he claims validate his position on General Bajwa’s role in the political landscape. Asif’s comments, particularly those regarding the extension of General Bajwa’s tenure, have been interpreted by Khan as evidence of the undue influence exerted by the military over civilian government decisions.
On the topic of constitutional matters, Imran Khan issued a stern warning about the potential for another breach of the constitution if the PTI is denied its reserved seats. He expressed concern that the party’s rights could be violated, which would further exacerbate the ongoing political crisis in Pakistan. Khan mentioned that his party is preparing to challenge any such violations in court, signaling that PTI is ready to engage in a legal battle to protect its interests.
Khan’s remarks come at a time when Pakistan is grappling with significant political and military challenges. The investigation into Faiz Hameed has been viewed by some as part of a broader effort to address issues within the military ranks, but it has also sparked controversy and debate about the military’s role in the country’s governance.
While Imran Khan acknowledged that the military has the right to investigate its officers, he reiterated that accountability should not be limited to a few individuals. Instead, he called for a comprehensive approach that ensures all those involved in any form of misconduct are held responsible. This, he argued, is essential for restoring public trust in the military and ensuring that the armed forces remain a neutral and professional institution.
