Former ISI chief Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed has been arrested by the Pakistan Army before a court martial in a corruption case.

Former chief of Pakistan's intelligence agency ISI Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed has been taken into military custody ahead of his scheduled court martial in connection with an alleged housing scheme scam, the Pakistan Army said on Monday.

“Following the orders of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, the Pakistan Army has set up an elaborate court of inquiry to verify the veracity of the complaints against Lt. Gen. Faiz Hameed (retd),” the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) – the army's media arm – said in a statement.

“Consequently, appropriate disciplinary action has been initiated against Lt Gen Faiz Hameed (Retd) under the provisions of Pakistan Army Act,” it said.

Besides, several instances of violation of Pakistan Army Act after retirement have also been established against the former ISI chief.

“The process of field general court martial has been initiated and Lt Gen Faiz Hameed (retd) has been taken into military custody,” the Pakistan Army said.

The Pakistan Army formed an inquiry committee

Earlier, in April this year, the Pakistan Army had set up a commission of inquiry to probe allegations of abuse of power against the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief.

According to Pakistan-based media reports, the committee was set up by the Army as a gesture of self-responsibility and will be headed by a serving Major General as per the directions of the Supreme Court and the Defense Ministry.

Top City scam

The controversy surrounding Top City, a private housing scheme, has led to a formal inquiry into allegations against former ISI chief Lt Gen Faiz Hameed after the scheme's management accused the former ISI DG of raiding the owner's offices and residence.

Following the Supreme Court's direction in November 2023, the owner, Moiz Khan, was advised to seek resolution through the relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Defence.

The newly constituted inquiry committee will prepare its report in the light of its findings and submit it to the authorities concerned, the report said.

Lt Gen (Retd) Hameed was considered to be very powerful as the chief of the spy agency from 2019 to 2021.

(with input from agencies)