In a landmark decision, former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief Lieutenant General Faiz Hameed has been sentenced to 14 years of rigorous imprisonment by a Field General Court Martial, the Pakistan Army’s media wing confirmed on Thursday. The sentence follows a 15-month-long court-martial process that began in August 2024 under the Pakistan Army Act. Military officials stated that the proceedings were conducted in full compliance with legal standards and that Hameed was provided all legal rights, including the option to select his own defense counsel.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Hameed was found guilty on four counts: engaging in political activities after retirement, violating the Official Secrets Act in a manner detrimental to national security, misuse of authority and government resources, and causing unlawful losses to private individuals. The court concluded that his actions were harmful to state interests, and additional matters related to alleged political agitation remain under separate review.
Hameed’s arrest in August 2024 came amid scrutiny over his involvement in the Top City housing scheme near Islamabad. He was accused of abusing his authority during a raid on the property of the housing society’s chief executive. Prior to the military’s action, the Supreme Court had ordered a detailed inquiry into the allegations, which ultimately led to the initiation of the court-martial.
A retired three-star general of the Pakistan Army’s Baloch Regiment, Hameed served as the ISI chief from 2019 to 2021. He previously commanded major corps in Peshawar and Bahawalpur and held senior operational positions throughout his 30-year military career. Analysts note that his conviction represents an unprecedented moment in Pakistan’s civil-military relations, marking the first known case of a former ISI chief being tried and sentenced by a military court.
The ISPR emphasized that procedural safeguards were fully observed and confirmed that Hameed retains the right to appeal the conviction through appropriate legal channels. Security analysts suggest that this ruling sends a strong signal that no officer, retired or serving, is above the law regarding political activities or misuse of authority.
Observers have highlighted that the conviction comes amid broader tensions within Pakistan’s political and military establishment. Former Prime Minister Imran Khan, a close associate of Hameed, remains in detention on separate charges, though the court-martial and sentencing of Hameed are officially unrelated to Khan’s case. The ruling is seen as a significant step in reinforcing accountability within the military, as well as addressing the longstanding concerns of political interference by retired senior officers.
This decision is expected to reverberate throughout Pakistan’s political landscape, emphasizing the army’s commitment to upholding legal and institutional accountability while maintaining national security. It also underscores the complex interplay between the military and political spheres in the country, highlighting the ongoing effort to ensure that national institutions operate within the boundaries of law.
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