Pakistan Braces for More Arrests Following Ex-ISI Chief's Detention

Pakistan's Federal Minister for Information, Attaullah Tarar, revealed that additional high-profile figures will face arrest as the investigation intensifies post the arrest of former ISI chief Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hamid. The military detained Hamid for alleged land grabbing, marking the initiation of a Field General Court Martial process.

Pakistan's Federal Minister for Information, Attaullah Tarar, announced that further high-profile figures are expected to be arrested as the probe widens after the detention of former ISI Director-General, Lieutenant General (retd) Faiz Hamid, according to Geo News. This statement follows the military's August 12 announcement that Hamid was arrested for land grabbing and taking valuables from a private housing society owner. A Field General Court Martial has commenced against him.

After Hamid's arrest, three additional retired officers were detained, Pakistan's military media confirmed on Thursday. Addressing a press conference in Islamabad on Saturday, Tarar emphasized the military's self-accountability mechanism, noting that the recent arrests resulted from a transparent investigation, Geo News reported.

Tarar mentioned that the investigation's scope would broaden following Hamid's arrest, referencing former Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Saqib Nisar, who faced allegations of favoring PTI founder Imran Khan. Rumors circulated on social media that Nisar had fled to London to avoid arrest related to Hamid's inquiry, but Nisar denied these claims, stating his trip was an annual planned holiday. Tarar criticized Imran Khan, alleging he collaborated with Hamid to disrupt Pakistan's stability.

"In coordination with Faiz Hamid, Khan aimed to spread unrest and compromise the country's integrity," stated Tarar, asserting that Khan and his allies had engaged in chaos-inducing politics. He implicated the ex-PM in backing terrorists, questioning who facilitated their return to Pakistan and accusing Khan of supporting the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Tarar emphasized the necessity for accountability, stating that no one undermining peace would be spared, regardless of their status. He urged other institutions to adopt self-accountability, similar to the army's measures. Following the Supreme Court's directive, the military apprehended Hamid over alleged violations of the Army Act after his retirement. The Pakistani army reported that the Field General Court Martial against Hamid adheres to orders following a land dispute petition filed by Top City, which accused Hamid and his brother of property acquisition and blackmail.

(With inputs from agencies.)