Former CJP Saqib Nisar denies fleeing Pakistan amid Faiz Hameed’s arrest

Former Chief Justice of Pakistan Saqib Nisar has confirmed that he is currently in London on a pre-planned annual holiday, dismissing rumors circulating on social media that his absence from Pakistan is connected to the arrest of retired Lt. General Faiz Hameed.

Lt General (retired) Hameed, the former chief of Pakistan’s premier intelligence agency, is facing a court martial for alleged misconduct related to a private housing scheme.

In a phone conversation with a reporter, Nisar clarified that his visit to London is purely personal, intended for meeting friends and family, and includes plans to travel to Scotland and Norway before returning to Pakistan in early September. He expressed disappointment over the spread of false information, stating, "It's unfortunate how fake news is being spread against me. I am praying for the sanity of those who malign and target people just for the sake of it."

Rumors had surfaced on social media suggesting that Nisar had fled to London and might be implicated in the wider inquiry related to General Hamid's arrest. However, Nisar firmly denied these speculations, insisting there is no truth to the claims.

The situation concerning General Faiz Hameed escalated when the military announced his arrest, citing "multiple instances of violation" of the Army Act following his retirement in December 2022. The military's statement revealed that the Field General Court Martial process had been initiated, and General Hamid was taken into military custody.

The charges against him stem from a Supreme Court-ordered investigation after a land development company, Top City, accused him of acquiring properties through improper means and allegedly blackmailing the company’s owner.

In a related development, the military also announced the detention of three more retired officers in connection with the ongoing FGCM proceedings against General Faiz Hameed.