Faiz Hameed convicted on four counts; His involvement in the political turmoil is being investigated; The convicted person can appeal
Former ISI chief Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed. PHOTO: ARCHIVE
ISLAMABAD:
In an unprecedented development in Pakistan’s civil-military history, former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief Lieutenant General (retd) Faiz Hameed was on Thursday found guilty and sentenced to 14 years of rigorous imprisonment after a lengthy military trial.
This is the first time that a former spy chief and one of the most influential generals of his generation has been tried and punished under the Pakistan Army Act.
The decision was announced by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) in a statement, saying that the Field General Court Martial (FGCM) proceedings began on August 12, 2024 and continued for 15 months before the verdict was formally promulgated on December 11.
According to ISPR, the former three-star general was tried on four charges including involvement in political activities, violation of the Official Secrets Act, abuse of authority and government resources, as well as causing unjustified loss to people.
The military’s media wing stated that Faiz was “found guilty of all charges after long and laborious legal procedures” and that the trial met all legal requirements. “The defendant received all legal rights, including the right to a defense team of his choice,” the statement added. The convicted person retains the right to appeal to the appropriate forum.
While senior officers have faced disciplinary action in the past, no former ISI chief has been tried, let alone convicted, through a full court-martial.
The trial of Faiz Hameed marks a watershed moment in the accountability of military officers, particularly those who once held positions central to Pakistan’s national security, political architecture and strategic planning.
Faiz’s tenure as DG ISI, starting in 2019, was one of the most politically contentious in recent times. He was widely perceived as one of the most powerful military figures in the country with enormous influence on political events during the PTI government.
His transfer from the ISI in 2021 triggered a rare public dispute between the civilian leadership and the military establishment.
After his premature retirement in 2022, Faiz largely maintained a low public profile, but investigations found his commitments, political involvement and affairs detrimental to state security. These investigations ultimately resulted in the invocation of a formal FGCM, something rarely used for officers of his seniority.
The process, which lasted more than a year, involved examination of confidential records and testimony from military and civilian officials.
The most serious charge was violation of the Official Secrets Act, which accused Faiz of handling classified information in a manner considered “detrimental to the security and interests of the State.”
The accusation of engaging in political activities arose from what investigators describe as “interference in political processes,” including alleged coordination with political groups and individuals.
While the ISPR statement avoided naming any political figures, its reference to “fomenting political unrest and instability in connivance with political elements” indicates that this activity is being examined in a separate investigation.
The FGCM also found the former general guilty of abuse of authority, a broad charge that covered unauthorized deployments of resources, abuse of official privileges and cases in which personal or political considerations were prioritized over institutional norms.
The final charge, that he causes unjustified losses to people, relates to complaints that have come to light publicly in recent years, particularly related to alleged coercive actions against people during his tenure.
The conviction represents a strong message from military leaders, who have repeatedly emphasized the need for institutional discipline and non-interference in political affairs. Since 2023, the military’s central theme has been “apolitical stance” and internal accountability.
By allowing a full trial of a former ISI chief, someone who was once at the top of the national security hierarchy, the institution appears set to show that no officer is beyond scrutiny.
Some observers see the verdict as part of a broader effort by the military to distance itself from past controversies and assert a new framework where institutional boundaries are more clearly defined.
Others believe that while the conviction will be seen as a significant step toward accountability, it may also deepen political polarization, particularly among those who previously supported or opposed the former general.
Faiz’s legal team has the right to challenge the verdict before the Army Court of Appeal, a move they are expected to take soon.
Legal analysts note that appeals in FGCM cases can involve additional levels of internal review and, in rare cases, subsequent petitions can reach civil courts.
Meanwhile, the ISPR statement makes it clear that the political dimension of Faiz’s conduct is still under scrutiny, marking the possibility of further revelations or proceedings.
Officials say the “separate matters” relate to activities that fall outside the charges addressed in the FGCM.
For Pakistan, where debates over civil-military relations have long shaped the political landscape, the sentencing of a former ISI chief is significant on multiple fronts. It signals a willingness within the military to confront internal misconduct, regardless of rank or influence. It also raises critical questions about past political engineering and future limits on military involvement in governance.
It remains to be seen whether the conviction marks a long-term structural change or a singular corrective action. But one thing is clear: Pakistan has entered uncharted territory by holding one of its most powerful former generals legally accountable, and the consequences of this decision will reverberate for years.
