Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has accused retired Lt Gen Faiz Hameed of playing a central role in the removal of Nawaz Sharif in 2017. He made these remarks while speaking to reporters in Sialkot on Saturday. The statement has renewed debate on civil-military relations, according to ABC.
Khawaja Asif said Faiz Hameed was involved in actions that led to Nawaz Sharif’s disqualification. He claimed these actions later helped bring Imran Khan’s government to power. The defence minister described the events as a planned political move.
Asif alleged that Faiz Hameed worked closely with certain political figures. He said this coordination influenced both judicial decisions and political outcomes at that time. He added that these steps weakened democratic norms.
The defence minister stated that the former intelligence chief’s actions harmed state institutions. He said the damage caused during that period is still affecting the country. These remarks were highlighted by ABC in its political coverage.
Khawaja Asif also referred to Faiz Hameed’s recent conviction. He confirmed that the retired general was sentenced to 14 years in prison. The sentence was awarded by a military court after a 15-month trial.
The trial was conducted under the Pakistan Army Act. The charges included political involvement and misuse of authority. Asif said the verdict was an important step toward accountability.
He further stated that more cases would be filed against Faiz Hameed. According to him, broader accountability is still required. He stressed that powerful individuals should not be above the law.
Asif said decisions made by senior officials leave long-term effects. He warned that the consequences of past interference will be felt for years. He called for lessons to be learned from the past.
The comments come amid ongoing political tension in the country. The role of security institutions in politics remains a sensitive issue. The 2017 disqualification of Nawaz Sharif is still widely debated.
Nawaz Sharif was removed following a Supreme Court decision in 2017. The ruling changed Pakistan’s political direction. Many analysts continue to discuss the forces behind that decision.
Khawaja Asif’s remarks reflect the ruling party’s stance on the issue. The government maintains that institutional boundaries must be respected. As reported by ABC, the issue continues to shape Pakistan’s political discourse.
The situation highlights calls for transparency and reform. Political observers believe such discussions are crucial for democratic stability.
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