No Case Against Former Army Chief Bajwa, Sources Say; Accountability May Target Civilian Officials and Media

Islamabad: Following the sentencing of former DG ISI Lieutenant General (retd) Faiz Hameed, speculation has emerged in some political and media circles about potential legal action against former Army Chief General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa. However, informed sources have dismissed these claims, stating that no investigations or proceedings are currently underway against General Bajwa.

Sources told the press that rumors circulating about the former army chief are baseless. They emphasized that the military accountability process, which led to General Faiz’s sentencing, was strictly evidence-based and limited to his individual actions, with no material linking the former Army Chief to the case.

On the other hand, sources noted that the recent accountability process within the military has raised expectations that similar mechanisms may extend beyond the armed forces. They indicated that judges, bureaucrats, politicians, and some media personnel—allegedly involved in past political engineering or exceeding constitutional and legal boundaries—could face scrutiny in the coming days.

The stance aligns with previous statements by military spokesmen. Last year, during a press conference, the DG ISPR had clarified that military accountability operates transparently, based on solid evidence rather than allegations or assumptions. When asked if former Prime Minister Imran Khan might face proceedings under the Army Act in connection with the General Faiz case, the DG ISPR described the question as hypothetical, noting that the matter is currently sub judice.

Regarding the roles of former Army Chief General Bajwa and former DG ISI Lieutenant General (retd) Naveed Mukhtar—who were linked to General Faiz’s appointments and promotions—the DG ISPR emphasized that it would be unjust to connect the actions of individuals who, for personal or political reasons, allegedly exceeded constitutional or legal limits, with others.

The statements and absence of any evidence against General Bajwa clearly indicate that there is currently no case against the former Army Chief in relation to General Faiz’s matter.

Sources added that while no action is being taken against General Bajwa, the post-Faiz situation could open the door for a broader accountability process targeting civilian officials who allegedly facilitated or benefited from unconstitutional actions in the past. They stressed that such accountability is necessary to ensure responsibility at all levels, applied consistently rather than selectively.