Faiz Hameed’s Leaked Call: Media Influence or Misuse of Power?

A recent leak of an audio recording has sent shockwaves through Pakistan’s media and intelligence circles. The recording features a conversation between two prominent figures: Lt. Gen. (R) Faiz Hameed, the former Director General of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), and Absar Alam, the former Chairman of the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA). The audio has raised serious concerns about the influence exerted by powerful individuals over regulatory bodies in Pakistan.

The Key Players: Who Are They?

• Lt. Gen. (R) Faiz Hameed: Former head of Pakistan’s most powerful intelligence agency, ISI. Known for his significant influence in the country’s military and intelligence operations.
• Absar Alam: A well-known journalist who served as the Chairman of PEMRA, the regulatory authority responsible for overseeing electronic media in Pakistan.

What the Faiz Hameed Leaked Audio Call Reveals

The 1 minute and 32 seconds long audio recording captures a tense exchange between the two men. In the conversation:

• Pressure on Absar Alam: Faiz Hameed can be heard pressuring Absar Alam to resolve issues related to the licenses of two television channels. The request appears to be a demand for favors, suggesting an attempt to influence PEMRA’s regulatory decisions.
• Faiz Hameed’s Frustration: Hameed expresses frustration over the lack of attention he feels he has received from Alam. He asks why he hasn’t been given the attention he deserves, to which Alam responds with a willingness to cooperate.
• The Menacing Turn: The conversation takes a darker tone when Hameed mentions sending Brigadier Ghaffar to follow up on the matter. This implies a level of coercion, as Alam appears surprised by the escalation.

Implications of the Leak Call

This audio leak has significant implications for the integrity of Pakistan’s media regulatory processes:

• Influence and Coercion: The conversation highlights the possible influence that military and intelligence figures may exert over regulatory bodies. This raises concerns about the independence of institutions like PEMRA.
• Public Reaction: The leak has sparked outrage among the public and media professionals, who are questioning the fairness and transparency of media regulations in Pakistan.

Reactions from Key Figures

Arrests and Investigations

Following the leak, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced the arrest of three retired military personnel allegedly connected to Lt. Gen. (R) Faiz Hameed. This move is seen as part of a broader investigation into the influence exerted by Hameed and his associates.

Media Speculation

Prominent journalist Hamid Mir hinted that more revelations related to Lt. Gen. (R) Faiz Hameed might soon come to light. He described the situation as a “bombshell” waiting to explode, indicating that this could be just the beginning of a larger scandal.

Conclusion

The leaked audio recording has opened a Pandora’s box, revealing the potentially troubling relationship between powerful individuals and regulatory bodies in Pakistan. As the investigation unfolds, the country awaits further developments that could reshape the understanding of power dynamics within its institutions. The implications of this leak could have lasting effects on the transparency and integrity of Pakistan’s media landscape.