The commission investigating the 2017 Faizabad sit-in has concluded its work and is ready to submit its findings, according to a source close to the investigation. The completed report is expected to shed light on the Faizabad sit-in and potentially hold Lt. Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed accountable for his actions.
Key Points:
Report Completed: The commission, led by retired civil servant Syed Akhtar Ali Shah, has finalized its report after interviewing key figures, including:
Lt. Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed: The then-Director General (Counterintelligence) of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
Former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi
Former Interior and Defense Ministers
Senior police and civil officials from Rawalpindi and Islamabad
Focus on Faiz Hameed’s Role: A central question the report will address is the extent of Lt. Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed’s involvement in the Faizabad sit-in. Did he play a role in planning, financing, or supporting the protest?
Commission’s Mandate: Established in November 2023 by the government following the Supreme Court’s orders:
Identify those who planned, financed, and supported the sit-in.
Recommend legal action against those responsible.
Timeline and Extensions: The commission initially had two months to complete its work but received two extensions from the Supreme Court.
Supreme Court’s Role: The Supreme Court took suo motu notice of the Faizabad sit-in staged by Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan (TLP) in 2017.
A 2017 verdict criticized the roles of intelligence agencies, media regulatory bodies, and the Election Commission.
Chief Justice Isa revived review petitions related to the case and instructed the commission to investigate the motives behind them.
Broader Investigation Scope:
The commission’s Terms of Reference encompassed various aspects beyond Faiz Hameed’s role:
Investigate potential illegal financial support for the TLP.
Examine inaction by media regulators against code violations.
Investigate the spread of hate speech and violence through social media.
Recommend measures to improve the handling of protests and rallies by law enforcement.
Propose a framework to address hate speech, extremism, and terrorism.
April 2, 2024
Source: The News International