Will Gen Faiz face May 9 trial?

ISLAMABAD: Months after the military announced an investigation into the alleged involvement of retired Lt Gen Faiz Hamid in the May 9 riots, no formal charges have been brought as yet against him in connection with the incident.

A security official, on condition of not being named, said there is nothing new in Gen Faiz case. But he added, “Soon as we have something, will surely share please.”

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) had last year stated that Gen Faiz was formally arraigned on charges of engaging in political activities, violating the Official Secrets Act, misusing authority and causing wrongful losses. However, despite claims by some federal ministers linking him to the May 9 violence, no official charges pertaining to that specific incident have been filed.

Mian Ali Ashfaq, Gen Faiz’s lawyer, told The News that there was no record or evidence implicating his client in the May 9 events. “There is nothing at all available on any record -- seen or read so far -- that may have any role of Gen Faiz regarding any such occurrence,” he said.

“Any such thing, if it exists, can only be shared once there is a formal charge. It doesn’t exist.”

The ISPR had previously stated that Gen Faiz’s alleged role in the May 9 violence “in collusion with vested political interests” was under separate investigation. However, no findings have been made public as yet despite the passage of several months.

Earlier reports had suggested that Gen Faiz maintained extensive political contacts, including with PTI leaders, though he reportedly denied guiding the party in political matters. He was reported to have claimed that some of these interactions involved routine social engagements, while others allegedly pertained to personal requests, such as securing jobs or party tickets for acquaintances.

The military’s initial charges against Gen Faiz included violations of the Official Secrets Act, misuse of authority and actions detrimental to state security.

Meanwhile, federal ministers have continued to allege a connection between Gen Faiz and PTI Chairman Imran Khan in the May 9 violence, but no evidence was shared.

As the court proceedings continue against many PTI leaders and workers and many have even been sentenced by trials courts, the absence of formal charges in the May 9 case leaves the allegations against the former spymaster unconfirmed and premature.