Title: “The £190 Million Scandal: Postponement of Verdict in Faiz Hameed’s Case”

Introduction

The £190 million corruption case involving former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief Lieutenant General (Retired) Faiz Hameed has been a focal point in Pakistan’s political and military discourse. Initially scheduled for a verdict announcement, the case has seen multiple postponements, with the latest delay pushing the decision to January 13, 2025. This case, intertwined with allegations of misuse of authority and political interference, underscores the complexities of accountability within Pakistan’s power structures.

Background of the Case

The origins of the case trace back to allegations against Faiz Hameed concerning the Top City housing scheme near Islamabad. Accusations include unauthorized acquisition of land, coercion of the housing society’s owner, and misuse of official position for personal gain. These allegations led to his arrest and the initiation of a Field General Court Martial (FGCM) under the Pakistan Army Act. Notably, this marks the first instance of a former ISI chief facing such proceedings, highlighting the gravity of the charges.

Legal Proceedings and Delays

The legal journey has been marked by a series of delays. The verdict, initially expected earlier, was postponed multiple times due to various factors, including procedural complexities and the absence of the accused during hearings. The Islamabad High Court (IHC) intervened at one point, restraining the accountability court from announcing the judgment, citing the need for a thorough examination of the case records.

Political Implications

The case’s political ramifications are significant. Former Prime Minister Imran Khan, currently incarcerated, has expressed concerns that Faiz Hameed is being pressured to testify against him, particularly concerning the events of May 9, 2023, when nationwide protests erupted following Khan’s arrest. Khan alleges that the establishment aims to implicate him further by leveraging Hameed’s testimony.

Conversely, government officials argue that the proceedings against Hameed are strictly internal military matters, unrelated to political dynamics. They contend that Khan’s attempts to politicize the issue are tactics to divert attention from his legal challenges.

Public and Media Reaction

The public’s response to the case has been mixed. While some view the proceedings as a step toward accountability, others perceive them as selective justice, questioning why similar scrutiny isn’t applied uniformly across the board. Media coverage has been extensive, with debates focusing on the implications for civil-military relations and the precedent set by trying a high-ranking retired military official.

Conclusion

The postponement of the verdict in the £190 million scandal involving Faiz Hameed underscores the intricate interplay between Pakistan’s military, judiciary, and political spheres. As the nation awaits the court’s decision, the case continues to fuel discussions on accountability, the rule of law, and the future of civil-military relations in Pakistan.

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Further Reading and Resources:

Pakistan’s army puts a former intelligence chief on trial

Pakistan’s ex-ISI chief faces court martial after arrest in property case

Understanding the Top City case that led to former DG ISI Faiz Hameed’s arrest

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*Note: This article is based on information available up to May 15, 2025. Developments in the case may have

occurred since this date.*