Ex-Pakistan Spy Chief Faiz Hameed Gets 14-Year Jail Term
A Pakistan military court has sentenced former ISI Director-General Lt Gen (Retd) Faiz Hameed to 14 years in prison, marking one of the rarest convictions of a senior military officer in the country. The verdict follows a 15-month court-martial, during which he faced multiple charges under the Pakistan Army Act.
Charges Include Political Activity, Misuse of Authority
Hameed was convicted on four counts — engaging in political activities, violating the Official Secrets Act, misusing official authority and resources, and causing wrongful loss to individuals. Pakistan’s military stated that Hameed was given full legal rights, including representation and the opportunity to contest evidence. He retains the right to appeal.
Background to the Case
The former intelligence chief, who headed the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) from 2019 to 2021, was arrested in August 2024 after an internal inquiry into alleged irregularities linked to the Top City project. Findings from that probe eventually led to formal charges and court-martial proceedings.
A Rare Conviction in Pakistan’s Power Structure
Observers note that sentencing a high-ranking retired general is highly uncommon in Pakistan, where the military holds significant institutional influence. Hameed was once considered close to former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who has faced multiple criminal convictions since 2023.
Wider Political Implications
Analysts say the conviction reflects ongoing shifts in Pakistan’s civil-military balance and signals the current leadership’s effort to distance the armed forces from political involvement. The ruling comes amid broader tensions and restructuring within Pakistan’s security establishment.
