In a historic development that has sent shockwaves through Pakistan’s political and defence circles, former ISI chief Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed has been sentenced to 14 years of rigorous imprisonment by a Field General Court Martial (FGCM). The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed the verdict on Thursday, terming it the culmination of a 15-month-long, exhaustive legal process carried out strictly under military law.
According to the ISPR, the proceedings were initiated on August 12, 2024, under the Pakistan Army Act. Hameed was charged on four serious counts, including engaging in political activities, violating the Official Secrets Act, misusing authority and state resources, and causing financial loss to individuals. After months of witness testimonies, cross-examinations, and legal scrutiny, the former intelligence chief was found guilty on all charges. His sentence was officially promulgated on December 11, 2025.
The military clarified that the ex-general was provided full legal representation, complete defence rights, and every procedural opportunity to contest the charges. Under Section 133B of the Army Act, he retains the right to appeal within 40 days to a military appellate forum.
ISPR also revealed that Hameed’s alleged involvement in fomenting political instability and coordinating agitation “in collusion with political elements” is being investigated separately, suggesting more legal trouble may be ahead.
The conviction marks the first time in Pakistan’s history that an ISI chief has been criminally convicted, breaking the long-held perception of intelligence leaders being beyond accountability.
Government hails verdict as ‘historic’
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar welcomed the ruling, calling it a “victory of truth and justice”. Tarar said Hameed was also penalised in the Top City case, where he was accused of extorting money from a private housing society by abusing his official authority—a charge that contributed significantly to his downfall.
Tarar stressed that the trial was entirely evidence-based. “Today, the person who crossed the red line has been punished,” he said, adding that further investigations into Hameed’s political activities were underway. He accused the former spy chief of acting as PTI’s political adviser after retirement, claiming he conspired to weaken the state and fuel instability.
In a separate interview, the minister said the 15-month trial was an example of the military’s strong internal accountability system. “This is a historic decision after a comprehensive legal process,” he noted.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, reacting on X, said the “nation will reap the harvest of the seeds sown by Faiz Hameed and former army chief Gen Bajwa for years”, in a pointed reference to political engineering and controversial decisions made during previous administrations.
Turning point for Pakistan’s power structure
Faiz Hameed’s arrest in August 2024 had already shattered the long-held belief that senior intelligence officials were untouchable. His indictment in December 2024 on charges of political interference and anti-state activity set the stage for an unprecedented trial in Pakistan’s civil-military landscape.
With multiple additional investigations still active including allegations relating to the events of May 9, 2023, financial corruption, misuse of power, and political manipulation the latest verdict is likely only the beginning of a wider accountability process.