Imran Khan, Faiz Hamid partners in crime: Khawaja Asif
"[Faiz's] personal benefits aside, his and PTI founder's interests had converged," says defence minister
December 11, 2024
- Khan aimed to position Hamid as future army chief, says Asif.
- Indictment also includes former premier, claims defence minister.
- Those involved are fully aware of extent of their actions, he adds.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has alleged that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and former spymaster Faiz Hamid were "partners in crime".
"[Faiz's] personal benefits aside, his and PTI founder's interests had converged," Asif, a Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) stalwart said on Tuesday, whose party heads have long claimed that Hamid was behind their previous government's downfall.
The military's media wing has said that Lieutenant General (retd) Hamid was formally charged with multiple offences, including engaging in political activities and violating the Official Secrets Act.
These violations have compromised state security and interests, said the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) a day earlier.
Additionally, the charges include misuse of authority and government resources, as well as causing wrongful losses to individuals.
Speaking on Geo News' programme "Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Saath", defence czar Asif revealed that Khan, during his tenure as prime minister, aimed to position Hamid as a future army chief.
"[...] and then, their 10-year plan could go ahead," he said, without elaborating much.
The minister added that a desperate attempt was made on May 9, 2023, so that there is a "talk within the institution" of bringing the PTI back into power.
May 9 refers to the day when Khan was arrested on graft charges, which led to country-wide protests. During the demonstrations, PTI workers had ransacked state installations, including an attack on the Rawalpindi's General Headquarters (GHQ).
Asif further added that the indictment does not only include Faiz as the beneficiary but also the former prime minister. "They must have definitely tried to stir unrest within the ranks on May 9," he remarked.
When asked further about the charge sheet, the minister said that it was backed by solid evidence. "This case will continue," Asif, whose party is arch-rivals with the PTI, said.
The defence minister said that Khan tops the list of beneficiaries and those involved will be held accountable. He said that those involved are fully aware of the extent of their actions.
Meanwhile, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has said that his party has nothing to do with the matter. "The party has already said this that the charge sheet against General (retd) Faiz is an internal matter of the military."
