SIALKOT: Defense Minister Khawaja Asif on Saturday held former spymaster Faiz Hameed responsible for the removal of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in 2017, accusing him of orchestrating a political conspiracy that ultimately facilitated the rise of PTI and Imran Khan. Asif also indicated that additional charges against Hameed are expected in the near future.
The remarks came two days after Hameed was sentenced to 14 years in prison following a 15-month trial in which he was convicted on four counts, including violating secrecy laws, engaging in political activities, misuse of authority, and causing harm to others.
Addressing a press conference, Asif said, “A former head of ISI has been convicted in a trial that ran for 15 months; there are still other charges on which legal proceedings will be initiated soon.” He alleged that Hameed, along with his “partner” Imran Khan, caused “significant damage” to Pakistan by implementing what he called “Project Imran” — a scheme to bring Imran to power and target political opponents.
The removal of Nawaz, the cases lodged against him, the allegations, and Imran’s coming into power this whole project was enacted under the supervision of Faiz Hameed, Asif said, adding that Hameed facilitated the imprisonment and intimidation of political rivals, with Imran as the main beneficiary.
Describing the period as a shameful chapter in Pakistan’s history, the minister claimed that Hameed effectively governed Pakistan through Imran, using his position to influence legislation and dictate government decisions. Decisions for the country’s future used to be made in the backyard of the prime minister’s house, he alleged.
Asif further accused Hameed of being behind the violent riots on May 9, 2023, describing them as “an attack on the sanctity of the armed forces. He said the riots were planned by Hameed with PTI workers providing the manpower, calling it a joint venture by General Faiz. He clarified that he referred to Hameed as a general only because his title had been revoked just four days prior.
The defence minister also highlighted the contrast between the riots and Pakistan’s armed forces’ success in Operation Bunyan-ul-Marsous against India, which he said brought international acclaim to the country. Now imagine, if Faiz and Imran’s plans had succeeded, where would we be today? he asked, warning that the Faiz-Imran nexus could have caused internal destruction, negating the need for external conflict.
In conclusion, Asif reiterated his commitment to accountability, stating, those who have put the country’s future at stake for power cannot be considered Pakistanis. Whether they are in uniform like Faiz or in a waistcoat and Peshawari sandals like Imran.