Govt Expects Faiz Hamid Verdict This Month

News Desk 

Islamabad: Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah said on Thursday that a verdict in the case of former intelligence chief Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hamid is likely to be announced this month.

Speaking to Geo News in Islamabad, Sanaullah remarked: “As far as I know, the verdict on Faiz Hamid’s case is expected in December. It is better to avoid speculations regarding his potential punishment.”

Hamid, a former head of the Inter-Services Intelligence’s (ISI) counter-intelligence wing who gained prominence during the 2017 Faizabad sit-in, is facing court martial on charges of political interference and misuse of authority. He has been under military custody since August 2024 for alleged violations of the Pakistan Army Act.

Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry recently reiterated that the legal process must be allowed to conclude, saying the final outcome would be shared immediately once available. “General Faiz Hamid’s trial is a legal matter, and speculation is inappropriate,” he stressed.

According to ISPR, Hamid was formally charged in December 2024 under the Pakistan Army Act and the Official Secrets Act for multiple offences, including political engagement.

His court martial followed a detailed inquiry—ordered by the Supreme Court—into complaints related to the Top City housing project. The inquiry reportedly confirmed several post-retirement violations of military regulations.

Read More: https://thepenpk.com/new-chief-of-defence-forces-system-needs-time-says-naqvi/

Hamid’s arrest stemmed from a petition filed by the CEO of Top City, accusing the former general of land grabbing and theft during a raid. Three other retired officers were also detained in connection with the case.

CDF Notification

Rana Sanaullah also addressed progress on the newly created office of the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), calling it a pivotal institution for national security. He said rules and procedures for the role were still being drafted and required careful consideration.

He dismissed rumours of delays in the CDF notification, terming such speculation baseless. “Linking the CDF notification to unrelated matters is not appropriate,” he added.

Sanaullah said the government intended to expand the list of people abroad allegedly spreading anti-Pakistan content on social media, asserting that propaganda targeting national security would not be tolerated. He emphasised that preventing harmful material related to security institutions was the state’s obligation.

Remarks on KP CM, Imran Khan

Commenting on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, Sanaullah warned that any obstruction in counter-terrorism efforts or facilitation of militants would jeopardise the CM’s political future. However, he said Afridi should not be barred from political speech or meetings with PTI founder Imran Khan unless such engagements involved instigating protest movements or aiding terrorism.

He added that Imran Khan, as a former prime minister, was entitled to B-Class detention facilities and that the government had no intention of diminishing his dignity. Sanaullah claimed that Nawaz Sharif was not afforded lawful facilities during his imprisonment by the previous administration.