Islamabad/Kabul – Once considered one of Pakistan’s most powerful figures, former ISI chief General Faiz Hameed is now facing the toughest battle of his life. Four years after being seen in Kabul days after the Taliban takeover, he is in military custody under serious charges of corruption, political interference, and misuse of ISI funds.
According to fresh reports, two of his closest officers — retired Brigadier Naeem Fakhar and retired Brigadier Ghaffar — have turned government witnesses against him, exposing a massive ₹7,284 crore (PKR) corruption scandal.
The Kabul Connection
On September 4, 2021, just 19 days after the Taliban seized Kabul, a viral picture showed Faiz Hameed sipping tea in a hotel. At the time, many claimed he was the mastermind of the Taliban’s return and the ouster of the elected Afghan government. But today, the same man is accused of abusing his position as ISI chief for personal business gains.
The Theme Park Scam
Investigations reveal Hameed colluded with real estate tycoon Malik Riaz to channel ISI funds into a multi-billion-rupee theme park project, which allegedly became a front for money laundering and land grabbing.
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Brigadier Naeem Fakhar was appointed focal person for the project.
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Brigadier Ghaffar was given control as Deputy General Manager (Projects) inside ISI.
Both officers, once Hameed’s trusted aides, are now key witnesses in the case.
Political Engineering & Misuse of Power
Faiz Hameed isn’t just accused of corruption. Reports say he:
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Interfered in Pakistan’s politics, grooming businessman Sardar Tanveer Ilyas into becoming the PM of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
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Engineered political outcomes during Imran Khan’s rule (2019–2022), pressuring media and opposition.
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Provoked unrest on May 9, 2023, when military installations were attacked after Khan’s arrest.
A History of Military Corruption
Hameed’s case isn’t unique. From the 1990 Mehran Bank scandal involving Gen. Aslam Baig and Lt. Gen. Asad Durrani, to Musharraf-era land scams, Pakistan’s military has long faced allegations of corruption. Real estate ventures, luxury farmhouses, and foreign properties have often been linked to senior generals and ISI officers.
The Fall of a Power Broker
Once regarded as the power centre of Pakistan during Imran Khan’s rule, Faiz Hameed’s downfall marks a dramatic reversal of fortune. With his own trusted officers turning against him, the Field General Court Martial (FGCM) proceedings could expose one of the biggest corruption scandals in ISI’s history.
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