Pakistan’s former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief, Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed, has been sentenced to 14 years of rigorous imprisonment following a Field General Court Martial (FGCM) conducted under the Pakistan Army Act. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced the verdict on Thursday, marking one of the most high-profile convictions of a retired senior military figure in recent years.
According to ISPR, the FGCM proceedings began on August 12, 2024, and continued for 15 months. The court examined four charges against Hameed: engaging in political activities, violating the Official Secrets Act in a manner deemed harmful to the state, misuse of authority and government resources, and causing wrongful loss to individuals. The military’s media wing said Hameed was found guilty on all counts, and the sentence was promulgated on December 11, 2025.
ISPR emphasized that the proceedings adhered to legal requirements and that Hameed was granted full rights, including access to a defence team of his choosing. Under Section 133B of the Army Act, he retains the right to appeal within 40 days to a designated military appellate forum.
The statement added that other matters involving Hameed—specifically allegations that he fomented political agitation and instability in coordination with political actors—are being addressed under separate processes.
Hameed was taken into custody in August 2024 after misconduct allegations surfaced, initially brought forward by the owner of a private housing society. His arrest challenged a long-standing belief that former intelligence chiefs were largely insulated from legal consequences in Pakistan, where military leaders have traditionally held significant influence.
In December 2024, Hameed was formally indicted on charges related to political interference, abuse of authority, and violations of anti-espionage laws. Investigators also examined his alleged involvement in actions leading up to the May 9, 2023 unrest, when nationwide protests and attacks on military installations erupted following the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan.
Following Thursday’s sentencing, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar stated that the conviction was supported by substantial evidence and that Hameed had been given full opportunity to defend himself. Tarar also referenced the Top City case, where Hameed was accused of using his influence to extort money from a private housing society. The minister reiterated that no one was above the law and asserted that further investigations into Hameed’s political role would continue.
Tarar alleged that after retirement, Hameed became an adviser to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and was involved in efforts that destabilized state institutions—claims PTI leaders have previously denied.
Meanwhile, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif commented on social media that the “nation will reap the harvest” of decisions made by Hameed and former army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa, suggesting long-term consequences for Pakistan’s political and security landscape.
Hameed’s conviction marks a significant moment in Pakistan’s ongoing scrutiny of political interference and internal military accountability, with further developments expected as the appeals process unfolds.
