Court martial proceedings against former intelligence chief Lt Gen (Retd) Faiz Hameed were initiated on the basis of “concrete evidence” following an extensive investigation, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) revealed. During a press conference in Rawalpindi, ISPR Director General Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry emphasised the Pakistan Army’s unwavering commitment to self-accountability, affirming that the military operates without any political agenda.
Lt Gen Chaudhry detailed that the army’s internal accountability mechanism is rigorous, transparent, and impartial, functioning solely on the basis of verified evidence rather than allegations. This robust system is activated whenever violations of military laws occur, ensuring swift and fair action without discrimination.
The ISPR’s media briefing also touched upon the investigation into Gen Hameed’s alleged involvement in the Top City case. The issue was referred to the Pakistan Army through the Ministry of Defence, which led to the launch of a high-level inquiry in April 2024. Upon completion of the investigation, it was determined that Gen Hameed had violated the Army Act, leading to the commencement of court martial proceedings against him in August 2024.
The press conference also highlighted the Pakistan Army’s counterterrorism efforts. Gen Chaudhry disclosed that 32,173 intelligence-based operations (IBOs) were conducted in 2024, with 4,021 of these occurring in the last month alone. These operations resulted in the elimination of 90 militants, whom he referred to as “khawarij,” a term used to describe extremists. The security forces, including the army, police, intelligence agencies, and other law enforcement bodies, are reportedly conducting more than 130 operations daily to combat terrorism.
The ISPR chief paid tribute to the 193 soldiers who have embraced martyrdom in the past eight months in the fight against terrorism, pledging that the war against extremist forces, referred to as “Fitna al-Khawarij,” will continue until every last terrorist is eliminated.
Lt Gen Chaudhry also highlighted a significant operation launched on August 20 in the Tirah Valley, targeting the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Lashkar-i-Islam, and Jamaat-ul-Ahrar. He reported that 37 terrorists were killed, and 14 others injured, including the high-profile khariji leader Abuzar, also known as Saddam. The operation, he stated, reflects the determination of Pakistan’s security forces to root out terrorism and ensure the country’s stability.
The recent wave of violence in Balochistan, which saw multiple attacks by the separatist group Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), was also addressed. The attacks, which occurred on August 26, left at least 50 people dead, including 14 security personnel. In response, security forces neutralised 21 terrorists. Gen Chaudhry attributed these incidents to both internal and external enemies intent on destabilising Balochistan and thwarting its development.
The ISPR DG acknowledged the exploitation of grievances in Balochistan by hostile actors, but reassured that the army, alongside the government, is committed to addressing these issues and restoring peace in the province.
The press briefing followed a Corps Commanders’ Conference, where the military’s leadership reaffirmed their resolve to maintain the hard-earned gains against terrorism. The top military officials identified “inimical forces” and “subversive proxies” as key drivers behind the recent uptick in terrorist activities, vowing to intensify efforts to thwart both internal and external threats.
This escalation in violence coincides with a rise in terrorist attacks across Pakistan, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan. According to the Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS), there were 59 attacks in August, up from 38 in July. In response, the military has ramped up counterterrorism operations, particularly in the affected regions.
As Pakistan confronts these security challenges, national leaders, including Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, have pledged financial and logistical support to the Balochistan government to combat the surge in terrorism, reinforcing the country’s resolve to secure peace and stability.