Khawaja Asif: Faiz Hameed tried to secure army chief role

ISLAMABAD: Defense Minister Khawaja Asif claimed on Monday that Lieutenant General (retd) Faiz Hameed sought to become the army chief by contacting former Prime Ministers Nawaz Sharif and Shehbaz Sharif.

Khawaja Asif alleged that as General Qamar Javed Bajwa’s retirement neared, Hameed reportedly made “concerted efforts” in the final 24 hours to secure the top military role.

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According to Khawaja Asif, Faiz Hameed reportedly attempted to apologise to Nawaz Sharif through intermediaries. The Defense Minister claimed that General Bajwa preferred either an extension of his own tenure or the appointment of Hameed as his successor.

General Bajwa reportedly presented various options to the government, suggesting alternative candidates if Hameed was not appointed.

The Defense Minister claimed that Hameed was involved in political activities and events following his retirement.

Faiz Hameed previously led the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). He was recently placed in military custody. The army initiated a Field General Court Martial against him on Monday.

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The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced that “appropriate disciplinary” actions were being taken under the Pakistan Army Act.

A court of inquiry has also reportedly been established to investigate issues related to a private housing society, as directed by the Supreme Court.