Hamid Mir Alleges Former Army Chief Gen Bajwa Knew About Gen Faiz’s Actions, May Also Face Accountability

Senior journalist and analyst Hamid Mir has accused former Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa of being fully aware of the controversial actions taken by General Faiz Hameed during their tenure. Speaking on Geo News’ program “Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Saath,” Mir claimed that both Bajwa and Faiz were using former Prime Minister Imran Khan to further their own interests, which eventually led to a fallout between the two military leaders.

Mir suggested that Bajwa might not escape accountability either, despite possible efforts to shield him. He revealed that multiple people, including prominent lawyers and politicians, have come forward with allegations against Gen Faiz, including orchestrating robberies and other unlawful activities. Mir also pointed to an incident where a well-known lawyer’s home was robbed under Faiz’s orders, allegedly to prevent the lawyer from writing a book critical of former military leader Gen Pervez Musharraf.

Further intensifying the claims, Mir noted that Bajwa, during his tenure as Army Chief, acknowledged some of these actions, indicating his awareness of Faiz’s operations. This acknowledgment was reportedly made during a meeting with the Supreme Court Bar Association’s former president, whom Bajwa personally apologized to for a robbery allegedly arranged by Faiz.

The allegations extend beyond individual incidents. Mir highlighted that the arrest and sentencing of PML-N leader Hanif Abbasi were also influenced by Gen Faiz. Abbasi, who had rejected an offer to leave the country, was arrested following pressure from Faiz. Even Abbasi’s son was warned against filing a petition against the court’s decision, further illustrating the extent of Faiz’s influence.

The story does not end with these revelations. Mir recounted that before filing a reference against Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, Bajwa invited four journalists, including himself, to the Army House to discuss the charges. Despite objections raised by Mir and his colleagues, the reference was eventually filed under pressure. Mir implied that the actions of Gen Faiz were not carried out in isolation but with the knowledge and perhaps the support of Gen Bajwa.