Former Spy Chief's Arrest Sparks Military Shake-up in Pakistan

Pakistan's military has arrested three more retired officers amid proceedings against ex-spy chief Faiz Hameed, charged with corruption and misuse of power. Hameed's controversial tenure and subsequent court-martial come under scrutiny as the military investigates further alleged violations linked to political instability.

Pakistan's military reported on Thursday the arrest of three additional retired officers, following the earlier detention of former spy chief Faiz Hameed. Hameed faces a court martial for charges ranging from corruption to misuse of power.

According to the military's statement, these arrests are related to ongoing investigations against Hameed, who previously headed the Inter-services Intelligence (ISI). The military accuses the ex-spy chief of actions harmful to military discipline, stirring instability in concert with political interests.

Critics regularly accuse the ISI of meddling in Pakistani politics. Hameed's tenure as ISI chief (2019-2021) under former Prime Minister Imran Khan, now jailed, remains controversial. Allegedly, disputes over Hameed contributed to Khan's political downfall early in 2022.

With a history of direct rule for over 30 years, Pakistan's military heavily influences its political landscape. Hameed's court-martial follows a Supreme Court-ordered investigation, initiating from a complaint by a real estate developer claiming Hameed misused his office to seize property. The military cited multiple violations of the Pakistan Army Act against him post-retirement.

(With inputs from agencies.)