ISLAMABAD, Aug 12: Pakistan's ex-spy chief who served during jailed former prime minister Imran Khan's term has been taken into military custody, the army announced Monday.
Lieutenant general Faiz Hameed, who stepped down in December 2022, was accused of abusing his power and raiding the businesses of a private housing developer, according to Supreme Court papers published last year.
The court at the time ordered the developer to take his complaints to the ministry of defence.
"Complying with the orders of Supreme Court of Pakistan, a detailed court of inquiry was undertaken by Pakistan Army. Consequently, appropriate disciplinary action has been initiated against Lt Gen Faiz Hameed (Retd)," the military's media wing said in a statement.
The process of court martial "has been initiated" and Hameed "has been taken into military custody", the statement said.
It added that "multiple instances of violation" of the Pakistan Army Act since his retirement had also been "established".
The military is the most powerful institution in Pakistan and is behind the rise and fall of every civilian government, according to analysts.
Analysts say Hameed was a keen supporter of Khan, who was booted from power in a no-confidence vote after losing favour with some of the top brass.
Once tipped as a contender for the top role of Chief of Army Staff, Hameed took early retirement months after Khan lost power. —AFP
