Former DG ISI Faiz Hamid cleared in Faizabad Dharna case.
A recent report by The News reveals that Lieutenant General (retd) Faiz Hamid, former ISI director general, and Major General (retd) Azhar Naveed Hayat, former Punjab Rangers director general, have been cleared in connection with the Faizabad dharna case of 2017.
The investigation, conducted by an inquiry commission established on the orders of the Supreme Court, absolved the military officers of allegations related to the distribution of funds during the protest.
Commission Findings:
Led by Dr. Akhtar Ali Shah, a former officer of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police, the commission’s inquiry discovered that Hamid, then heading ISI’s counterintelligence wing as a major general, was authorized by the army chief and ISI director general to sign an agreement as an arbitrator.
This agreement played a role in dispersing the demonstrators during the sit-in protest.
Responsibility of Shehbaz Sharif’s Government:
The report indirectly pointed to the responsibility of the then-Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif‘s government for the handling of the sit-in protest, criticizing their failure to take decisive action against the demonstrators, which was perceived as a move to maintain political support.
Legislative Recommendations:
The commission’s report emphasized the necessity of legislative measures pertaining to intelligence services to prevent future incidents involving state institutions in civil disputes.
It recommended that the military refrain from involvement in such matters to enhance public confidence in the institution.
Broader Policy Suggestions:
In addition to specific findings, the report put forward broader policy suggestions.
It advocated for strengthening internal security responsibilities, calling for action against those responsible for misconduct during the protest, and proposing measures to combat violent extremism.
Media and Law Enforcement Reforms:
Furthermore, the report highlighted the need for reshaping media regulations, including suspending TV channels’ licenses and imposing fines for broadcasting inflammatory content.
It also suggested enhancing law enforcement capabilities to better handle similar situations in the future.
