In an unprecedented move that has reshaped the country’s civil-military landscape, a Pakistani military court on Thursday sentenced retired Lieutenant General Faiz Hameed, former chief of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), to 14 years of rigorous imprisonment. This historic verdict marks the first time a former head of Pakistan’s most powerful intelligence agency has been convicted and imprisoned.
The Field General Court Martial (FGCM) found Hameed guilty on four major charges, including political meddling, violating the Official Secrets Act, misuse of authority, and causing wrongful loss to individuals. The sentence was formally promulgated on December 11, 2025, concluding a legal process that began in August 2024 when Hameed was taken into military custody.
Charges and Court Martial Proceedings
Military authorities confirmed that Hameed was tried under the Pakistan Army Act and that the proceedings followed all legal protocols. The charges included:
- Engaging in political activities, contrary to military conduct rules
- Violating the Official Secrets Act, with actions harmful to national security
- Misusing authority and government resources
- Causing wrongful loss to individuals through abuse of power
The FGCM stated that Hameed was provided full legal rights during the trial, including access to a defence team of his choosing. He retains the right to appeal the conviction before the appropriate forum.
Significance of the Verdict
Faiz Hameed, who served as ISI director-general between 2019 and 2021, was widely regarded as one of the most influential military figures of his time. His tenure was often associated with considerable influence over political affairs, prompting long-standing concerns about the role of the intelligence community in Pakistan’s governance.
The conviction is viewed as a watershed moment for Pakistan, where senior military and intelligence officials have historically enjoyed broad immunity from prosecution. Analysts say the ruling signals an intensified effort by current military leadership to reinforce institutional discipline and separate the armed forces from political involvement.
Political and Institutional Ripples
Hameed’s sentencing comes at a time of heightened political tension, with former Prime Minister Imran Khan still in prison on multiple charges and allegations of political interference continuing to dominate national discourse. Hameed had been widely perceived as an influential figure during Khan’s tenure, and the verdict is expected to have lasting implications for civil-military relations.
Government officials described the ruling as a “historic step” toward strengthening the rule of law. The decision is likely to influence future debates on accountability, transparency, and the limits of military influence in Pakistan’s political affairs.
