Islamabad:
Months after the military announced an investigation into the alleged involvement of Lt Gen (Retd) Faiz Hameed in the May 9 riots, no formal charges have yet been filed against him in connection with the incident.
A security official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that there have been no new developments in General Faiz’s case. “If there is any update, we will certainly share it,” he added.
Last year, the military’s media wing, ISPR, revealed that disciplinary proceedings had been initiated against Gen Faiz over accusations of engaging in political activities, violating the Official Secrets Act, abusing authority, and causing harm to the state.
Despite repeated attempts by federal ministers to link his name to the May 9 events, no official charges have been filed against him in that specific context.
Gen Faiz’s lawyer, Mian Ali Ashfaq, told The News that there is no record or evidence implicating his client in the May 9 violence. “So far, the material reviewed shows no indication of his involvement,” he said. “And even if there were any such evidence, it could only surface through formal legal proceedings — which, at present, do not exist.”
The ISPR has previously stated that Gen Faiz’s alleged involvement in the May 9 events is being investigated separately in light of “political interests.” However, despite months having passed, no further details of this investigation have been made public.
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Earlier reports suggested that Gen Faiz had extensive contacts with various political figures, including PTI leaders. However, he has denied offering any political guidance or support.
According to his lawyer, some of these interactions were purely social, while others were related to personal requests, such as employment or party ticket recommendations. The military’s preliminary accusations had included serious charges such as violating the Official Secrets Act, abuse of authority, and compromising national security.
Meanwhile, government ministers continue to hint at a close relationship between Gen Faiz and PTI Chairman Imran Khan, yet no solid evidence has been brought to the public domain.
As legal proceedings and convictions against PTI leaders and workers move forward, the lack of a formal charge sheet against former ISI chief Gen Faiz in relation to May 9 has rendered the accusations against him speculative and unsubstantiated.