Court martial proceedings initiated against Lt-Gen Faiz Hameed: DG ISPR

RAWALPINDI: Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Director-General Lt-Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has said that court martial proceedings have been initiated against Lt-Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed after it transpired that he committed multiple violations of the Pakistan Army Act. He said that action will be taken against anyone involved in the case, regardless of their rank or position.

Addressing a press conference, he said that after a detailed inquiry based on solid evidence was completed, the Pakistan army officially announced on August 12, 2024, that the retired officer concerned had violated provisions of the Pakistan Army Act. Multiple incidents of violations of relevant laws by him after retirement also came to light. On these grounds, court arshal proceedings have been initiated against him.

The ISPR director-general emphasised the Pakistan Army’s unwavering commitment to eliminating terrorism in the country, particularly in Balochistan.

Lt-Gen Sharif confirmed that terrorist activities in the region are being orchestrated by both internal and external elements, with innocent citizens being specifically targeted.

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According to Lt. Gen. Sharif, a total of 32,173 operations have been conducted this year alone, with 130 operations occurring daily. These operations have resulted in the elimination of 90 terrorists, referred to as “Khawarij,” in the past month.

Additionally, 21 terrorists were killed during retaliatory actions, including the most wanted foreign leader, Abuzar alias Saddam. The Pakistan Army has also faced significant losses, with 14 soldiers sacrificing their lives during these operations.

The DG ISPR highlighted the army’s ongoing efforts against the militant group Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, based on secret intelligence. He said, “It is known that there are state deprivations among the people of Balochistan”.

Lt. Gen. Sharif reiterated that no Pakistani’s blood would go in vain and that every drop of blood is considered sacred. He assured that the war against terrorism would continue until the last terrorist is eradicated.

Furthermore, Lt. Gen. Sharif stressed that the Pakistan Army operates with a strong belief in self-accountability, acting only on solid evidence. He reiterated that the army remains neutral in political matters, stating, “Pakistan Army is neither against nor in favour of any political party” and reaffirming that the army has no political agenda. A high-level inquiry was ordered in April, further supporting the army’s stance on maintaining impartiality and being kept away from any specific political interest.

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DG ISPR Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif also highlighted Pakistan Army’s efforts to reduce its defence expenditure. He revealed that the Pakistan Army contributed significantly to the national economy, depositing Rs 100 billion in taxes and duties. In addition, its subsidiaries contributed Rs 360 billion. The DG ISPR also spoke of the army’s active involvement in the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), playing a crucial role in national development initiatives. He said that “a safe Pakistan is the guarantee of a strong Pakistan”.