Faiz Hameed Was Director of May 9 Violence and Long March; Even Imran Khan May Face Military Trial, Says Rana Sanaullah

Islamabad: Adviser to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Political Affairs, Rana Sanaullah, has alleged that former ISI chief Lieutenant General (retd) Faiz Hameed was fully involved in the events of May 9 and the long march, and claimed that politicians linked to him could also face trial in military courts.

Speaking to a private TV channel, Rana Sanaullah said that Faiz Hameed played a central role in the May 9 incidents and that any politicians found involved alongside him could be prosecuted as co-accused, possibly in military courts. He added that investigations are underway and cases will be filed in light of the evidence that emerges.

He claimed that during the PTI government, nothing moved without Faiz Hameed’s approval, alleging that he personally interfered in political matters. Rana Sanaullah termed Faiz Hameed’s punishment as “a consequence of his own actions.”

The PM’s adviser said that former prime minister Nawaz Sharif believes Pakistan was on the right track during 2017–18 and was economically progressing, but alleged that Imran Khan was brought in as a “project,” which damaged the country. He further claimed that judges, including former chief justice Saqib Nisar, along with other individuals, were involved in launching this project.

Rana Sanaullah alleged that former army chief General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa was also part of this process, along with previous intelligence chiefs, and said that these combined roles ultimately led to the rise of Imran Khan.

He further alleged that Faiz Hameed had a significant role in both the May 9 violence and the long march during the time of the army chief’s appointment, claiming that PTI’s top leadership remained in contact with him. According to Rana Sanaullah, Faiz Hameed acted as the “director” of the long march and was also involved in the May 9 events.

He stated that if a serving or former army officer is found guilty of creating instability and anarchy, and civilians or politicians are involved alongside him, then under the Army Act those civilians can also be tried in military courts.

Commenting on meetings with PTI founder Imran Khan, Rana Sanaullah said that meetings should only be allowed if they are held strictly in accordance with the law and not used to convey messages that promote unrest or disorder.

He also warned that PTI would not be allowed to march on Islamabad, stating that any such attempt would be stopped.

On the situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Rana Sanaullah said that no governor’s rule would be imposed if the provincial government refrains from facilitating terrorism and aligns with the federal government’s policies, particularly regarding counterterrorism and Afghan refugees. However, he warned that failure to do so could lead to serious consequences.