Former ISI Chief Faiz Hameed Sentenced to 14 Years by Military Court

A military court in Pakistan has sentenced retired Lt. Gen. Faiz Hameed, the former head of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), to 14 years in prison after a 15-month court-martial process that examined allegations ranging from political interference to breaches of state secrecy. The verdict was announced in an official statement on Thursday.

According to the military, the Field General Court Martial conducted the trial under the Pakistan Army Act. The proceedings stretched across more than a year and centred on four charges: involvement in political activities, violating the Official Secrets Act in ways said to compromise state interests, misuse of authority and state resources, and causing financial loss to individuals.

The statement noted that Hameed was found guilty on all counts. Officials said the proceedings met all legal requirements and that Hameed had full access to defence rights, including legal representation of his choosing. He is entitled to appeal the sentence through the designated channels.

While the military did not release detailed evidence presented during the trial, Hameed has been a prominent figure in Pakistan’s security landscape. His name frequently appeared in political conversations due to his reported association with former prime minister Imran Khan, who is currently serving multiple prison terms after being arrested in 2023. Khan was removed from office through a no-confidence vote in April 2022.

Hameed’s legal troubles began after the Supreme Court ordered an internal investigation in 2024 related to accusations linked to the Top City project, a private housing development near Islamabad. The probe examined whether state officials, including Hameed, played any role in irregularities connected to the project. His detention in 2024 was followed by months of speculation, as neither the government nor military disclosed formal charges at the time.

The decision to prosecute a former three-star general marks a significant moment for the country’s security establishment. Pakistan’s military holds considerable sway across national affairs, and cases targeting senior or retired officers are uncommon. The case against Hameed triggered widespread attention not only due to his past position but also because of the political environment surrounding his arrest.

Legal experts say the sentence signals a firm stance on internal accountability within the armed forces. Analysts also note that the developments come at a time when Pakistan’s institutions remain under scrutiny amid ongoing political divisions and corruption cases involving high-profile figures.

Hameed’s appeal process is expected to draw close watch from political observers and the wider public, given the sensitivity of the charges and his status as one of the country’s most recognisable former intelligence officials.