Military Trial of Ex-ISI Chief Faiz Hamid Paused

The military trial of retired Lt Gen Faiz Hamid, the former head of the ISI, has been temporarily suspended for the past three weeks. This information was disclosed by his legal representative on Wednesday, who voiced optimism that the proceedings would be resuming shortly.

Barrister Mian Ali Ashfaq, in a statement, mentioned that the trial has been on hold for three weeks. “We are anticipating a resumption soon, possibly in the coming days,” he stated.

Ashfaq, who heads Gen (R) Faiz’s defense team with two associates, added that they have formally requested that the process be expedited because of his planned trip overseas next month. “Considering my family’s vacation plans abroad in about a month, we have asked for an early completion of these proceedings,” he clarified.

While refraining from specifying a definite timeline, Ashfaq pointed out that approximately 65% to 70% of the trial had been concluded.

The military proceedings, which are being conducted in accordance with the Official Secrets Act, are still private, and no additional information has been made available to the public. Ashfaq’s remarks, however, provide an infrequent glimpse into the present status of the case, which has garnered considerable public attention.

Last year, the ISPR, the military’s media affairs wing, announced that Gen (R) Faiz had been officially charged with a number of offenses, including involvement in political activities and breaches of the Official Secrets Act.

The ISPR asserted that these infractions jeopardized the interests and security of the state.

Gen (R) Faiz is formally accused of taking part in political activities, violating the Official Secrets Act—conduct that, according to the ISPR, endangered the safety and interests of the state—misusing authority and governmental resources, and inflicting wrongful loss upon individuals.

The former spymaster’s alleged involvement with the events of May 9, “in conjunction with certain political interests,” was also under investigation.

The ISPR statement added that his alleged participation in actions aimed at inciting unrest and turmoil, which led to a number of incidents, including the one on May 9, 2023, to foment instability at the direction of and in cooperation with vested political interests, is also being looked into independently.

The former intelligence chief has reportedly refuted any misconduct and, through his counsel, maintains that any political contacts made after his retirement were simply routine social interactions.

Although it is still unknown when the suspended proceedings will recommence, Ashfaq’s most recent remarks imply that the trial may advance shortly, contingent upon the military court’s internal scheduling.