Islamabad, Aug 12: Former chief of Pakistan’s intelligence agency ISI, Lt Gen (Retd) Faiz Hameed, has been arrested by the military which has also initiated proceedings for his court-martial in connection with a housing scheme scam, the Army said on Monday.

Hameed was taken into custody following a detailed court of inquiry in compliance with a Supreme Court of Pakistan order to ascertain his involvement in the Top City housing scheme scandal, Army’s media wing Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.

“Complying with the orders of Supreme Court of Pakistan, a detailed court of inquiry was undertaken by Pakistan Army, to ascertain the correctness of complaints in Top City case made against Lt Gen Faiz Hameed (Retd),” the media statement said.

“Consequently, appropriate disciplinary action has been initiated against Lt Gen Faiz Hameed (Retd), under provisions of the Pakistan Army Act.”

“In addition, multiple instances of violation of the Pakistan Army Act post-retirement have also been established. The process of Field General Court Martial has been initiated and Lt Gen Faiz Hameed (Retd) has been taken into military custody,” it said.

According to Dawn, this is the first time in Pakistan’s history that a court martial has been initiated against a former intelligence chief.

The Pakistan military had reportedly started a probe in April into allegations of misuse of authority against the former ISI Director general.

In a written order, the Supreme Court had said the allegations were of an “extremely serious nature, and if true, undoubtedly would undermine the reputation of the federal government, the armed forces, ISI and Pakistan Rangers, therefore, they cannot be left unattended.”

The management of a private housing scheme Top City earlier alleged that Hameed had orchestrated the raid on the offices and residence of its owner, Moeez Khan on May 12, 2017.

UNI