General problems

As the Field General Court Martial (FGCM) proceedings against former Director General of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Lt Gen Faiz Hameed begin, three more retired army officers have been taken into custody by the military for “acts prejudicial to military discipline”. Further investigations against some retired officers and their accomplices “for inciting instability on behalf of and in collusion with political interests” are ongoing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement on Thursday. In another development, former deputy superintendent of Adiala Jail Malik Mohammad Akram was also arrested. He is accused of abetting former Prime Minister Imran Khan by acting as a communication link between the founding chairman of the PTI and his confidants inside and outside the prison. These arrests have profound implications and suggest that Imran Khan may have enjoyed support within the system. Although the exact charges have not been disclosed, the allegations against these men suggest that retired officials may have had a troubling influence on key institutions.

It is believed that while Hameed's arrest is linked to a private housing society, the other allegations against him concern his post-retirement activities, which could also be linked to Imran Khan. Of course, this is all just speculation at the moment. As expected, Imran Khan has distanced himself from General Faiz, saying he has no connection with him. He has called on the military to ensure that accountability is applied across the board, an attempt to divert attention from the potential impact of these arrests on his political fortunes. But political observers say the echoes of General Faiz's deep entanglements with the PTI government cannot be ignored, including his alleged role in securing votes, presiding over Senate sessions and other undisclosed activities during Khan's tenure as prime minister – which many say are well documented. The question is not just about accountability, but also the wider implications of such unchecked power. In a country where accountability has often been selective, the public deserves transparency regarding the charges against General Faiz Hameed and others. If these allegations are true, the evidence must be disclosed. Should such a scenario prove true, it would be a tragic indictment of the institutions of the state and a blow to the principles of justice and democracy.

The stakes are high. If General Faiz's arrest marks the beginning of a wider purge within the system, it could restore faith in institutional integrity. But for that to happen, the process must be transparent. Accountability, particularly at this level, cannot be hidden in secrecy. The credibility of this investigation depends on the truth coming out. The fact is that Pakistan is at a critical juncture. The allegations against these men, if true, reveal a dangerous conspiracy that must be unraveled for the sake of the country's democratic future. But for that to happen, the public must see the evidence, not just whispers and rumours. Anything else would only deepen the shadows that have long hung over Pakistan's political landscape.