In a significant move towards ensuring transparency and accountability, the Pakistan Army has launched an inquiry, spearheaded by a major general, to investigate allegations surrounding a private housing society near Islamabad airport.
Last November, Kunwar Mueez, proprietor of the said housing society, lodged a constitutional petition under Article 184/3 of the Constitution with the Supreme Court. The petition named six intelligence officials, including former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief Lt Gen Faiz Hameed.
During the hearing on November 11, 2023, a bench led by Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faiz Isa, accompanied by Justice Aminuddin Khan and Justice Athar Minullah, scrutinized the petition. Legal representatives of Kunwar argued that the implicated agency officials allegedly perpetrated offenses against their client under the direction of Faiz Hameed.
As per the counsel, secret service personnel, in collaboration with Rangers officials, conducted a raid on Kunwar Mueez’s residence and workplace. It was asserted that Kunwar, along with his family, was unlawfully detained, and their valuables, including jewelry and a substantial sum of money, were seized. Moreover, false accusations were purportedly fabricated against Kunwar and his family to coerce compliance.
During the proceedings, the additional attorney general asserted that the petitioner had recourse to alternative legal avenues to address grievances. Despite concerns regarding potential obstacles in obtaining redress due to the officials’ influential status, the attorney general assured the court that if Kunwar Mueez submitted an application to the defense ministry, due process would be adhered to.
Following the attorney general’s assurances, the petition was dismissed. Subsequently, in January of the present year, upon Kunwar Mueez’s engagement with the defense ministry, reports suggest that an inquiry committee, led by a Major General, was established, signaling a proactive response to the matter.
