Gen Faiz’s trial expected to conclude in a few weeks, says his lawyer

ISLAMABAD: Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hamid’s military trial is expected to conclude in the next few weeks, former DGISI’s lawyer said.

Talking to The News, Barrister Mian Ali Ashfaq said that he along with his two associates is representing Gen (retd) Faiz in the military trial the former spy chief is currently facing.

When asked if Gen (retd) Faiz is becoming an approver against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan, Mian Ashfaq said, “I cannot confirm any such thing at all as the proceedings of the trial are covered within the scope of Official Secrets Act.”

When asked about the initiation of military trial against Gen (retd) Faiz, he did not deny it. He said, “I have seen different media reports suggesting it has started. I am in no position to deny such reports.”

Asked when he sees the trial getting concluded, he said, “Can’t predict exactly. Possibly in a few weeks time.”

Regarding The News story about Gen (retd) Faiz vehemently denying charges of guiding the PTI, he said, “All facts and very much stated position.”

The News recently reported that Gen (retd) Faiz is of the view that his post-retirement political contacts were routine social interactions.

The Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a recent statement that the former ISI chief had been formally charged with multiple offences, including engaging in political activities and violating the Official Secrets Act. The ISPR stated these violations have compromised state security and interests.

Gen (retd) Faiz has been formally arraigned on charges of engaging in political activities, violations of Official Secrets Act which, according to the ISPR, were detrimental to safety and interest of the state, misuse of authority and government resources and causing wrongful loss to a person(s).

The former spymaster’s role in May 9 “in collusion with vested political interests” was also being investigated. His involvement in events related to creating agitation and unrest, leading up to multiple incidents including but not limited to 9th May 2023 incident for fomenting instability at the behest of and in collusion with vested political interests, is also being separately investigated, the ISPR statement had added.