Faiz Hameed found guilty on four counts; Involvement in political unrest during investigation; The convicted person can appeal
Former ISI chief Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed. PHOTO: FILE
ISLAMABAD:
In an unprecedented development in Pakistan’s civil-military history, former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief Lieutenant General (retd) Faiz Hameed was convicted on Thursday and sentenced to 14 years of rigorous imprisonment following a lengthy military trial.
This is the first time that a former spymaster 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 proceedings before the Field General Court Martial (FGCM) began on August 12, 2024 and continued for 15 months before the verdict was officially promulgated on December 11.
According to the ISPR, the former three-star general was tried on four charges, including participation in political activities, violation of the Official Secrets Act, abuse of government authority and resources and wrongful loss of life.
Army media said Faiz was “found guilty of all charges following a long and painstaking legal process” and that the trial met all legal requirements. “The accused was afforded 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 competent court.
Although senior officers have been disciplined in the past, no former ISI chief has ever been tried, let alone convicted, by a full court martial.
Faiz Hameed’s trial marks a watershed moment in holding military officials accountable, particularly those who once held central positions in Pakistan’s national security, political architecture and strategic planning.
Faiz’s tenure at DG ISI, which began in 2019, has been among the most politically controversial in recent memory. He was widely perceived as one of the most powerful military figures in the country, with considerable influence on political developments under the PTI government.
His transfer from the ISI in 2021 sparked a rare public conflict between civilian leaders and the military establishment.
Following his premature retirement in 2022, Faiz remained largely out of the public eye, but investigations revealed that his engagements, political involvement and business affairs were detrimental to state security. These investigations ultimately led to the invocation of a formal FGCM, something rarely used for officers of his seniority.
The procedure, which lasted more than a year, involved the examination of sensitive files 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 deemed “prejudicial to the security and interests of the state.”
The charge of participating in political activities stems from what investigators describe as “interference in political processes,” including alleged coordination with political groups and individuals.
Although the ISPR statement avoids naming any political figure, its reference to “promoting political agitation and instability in cahoots with political elements” indicates that this activity is being probed under a separate investigation.
The FGCM also found the former general guilty of abuse of authority, a wide-ranging charge covering unauthorized deployments of resources, abuse of official privileges and instances where personal or political considerations took precedence over institutional norms.
The latest accusation, causing unjustified losses to individuals, relates to complaints that have surfaced publicly in recent years, including alleged coercive actions against individuals during his tenure.
The conviction represents a strong message from military leaders, who have repeatedly stressed the need for institutional discipline and non-interference in political affairs. Since 2023, the central theme of the army has been “apolitical posture” and internal responsibility.
By allowing a full trial of a former ISI chief, someone who sat at the top of the national security hierarchy, the institution appears intent on demonstrating that no officer escapes 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 in which institutional boundaries are more clearly defined.
Others say that while the conviction will be seen as an important step toward accountability, it could also worsen political polarization, particularly among those who previously supported or opposed the former general.
Faiz’s legal team has the right to challenge the verdict in the Army Court of Appeals, a step they are expected to take soon.
Legal analysts note that appeals in FGCM cases may involve additional layers of internal review and that, in exceptional cases, subsequent motions may reach civil courts.
At the same time, the ISPR statement makes clear that the political dimension of Faiz’s conduct is still under investigation, raising the possibility of additional disclosures or prosecutions.
Officials say the “separate matters” involve activities that fall outside the scope of the charges in the FGCM.
For Pakistan, where debates over civil-military relations have long shaped the political landscape, the conviction of a former ISI chief is significant on several fronts. This demonstrates a willingness within the military to confront internal misconduct, regardless of rank or influence. It also raises crucial questions about past political engineering and the future limits of military participation in governance.
It remains to be seen whether this conviction marks a long-term structural change or a one-time corrective measure. 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.
