In an unprecedented development that has sent shockwaves across Pakistan’s political, military, and legal spheres, former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed has been sentenced to 14 years of rigorous imprisonment by a Field General Court Martial (FGCM). The conviction—announced by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR)—marks a moment that analysts describe as one of the most consequential acts of internal military accountability in Pakistan’s recent history.
The sentencing is not just about the fate of one retired general; it is a defining moment in reshaping the long-standing perception that powerful intelligence chiefs and senior generals remain untouchable. It opens a new chapter in Pakistan’s internal accountability system, its civil-military relations, and ongoing political controversies tied to national security.
This article builds on the full context of the case, the charges, the legal procedures, and the larger political implications of this landmark decision.
1. The 14-Year Sentence: What the Military Court Announced
The ISPR statement revealed that the FGCM concluded that Faiz Hameed was guilty on all four charges, which included:
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Engaging in political activities
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Violating the Official Secrets Act
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Misuse of authority and government resources
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Causing wrongful loss to individuals
The proceedings began in August 2024, and continued for 15 months, culminating in the sentence that was officially “promulgated on December 11, 2025.”
The ISPR emphasized that the trial adhered to all legal procedures and that Hameed was provided with:
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A defence team of his choice
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Full legal rights under the Pakistan Army Act
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Multiple opportunities to present evidence and witnesses
The verdict is final at the FGCM level, but Hameed still has the legal right to file an appeal within 40 days under Section 133B of the Pakistan Army Act.
2. Understanding the Charges: Political Activities, Secrets Act, and Abuse of Office
This case stands out because the charges touch upon some of the most sensitive areas of Pakistan’s security and governance ecosystem.
2.1 Engaging in Political Activities
The government later reinforced this claim by alleging that:
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Hameed acted as an unofficial “political adviser” to PTI
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He played a role in shaping political agitation and strategies
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He attempted to influence national politics after retirement
2.2 Violations of the Official Secrets Act
Perhaps the most serious charge, this relates to behaviour that allegedly jeopardized state security and sensitive information. The ISPR confirmed that the violations were “detrimental to the safety and interest of the state”, though specifics remain classified.
2.3 Misuse of Authority & Wrongful Loss
These charges stem largely from the Top City housing society case, where Hameed was accused of:
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Abusing his official position
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Extorting or coercing private developers
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Misusing government resources
The government had called this case a textbook example of the misuse of military office for personal or political gain.
3. A Shock to Pakistan’s Power Structure: Why This Case Matters
For decades, Pakistan’s military establishment has been viewed as an institution where senior officers rarely faced public accountability. The Hameed case shatters that perception.
3.1 A Spy Chief on Trial—A First in Pakistan’s History
Never before has a former ISI chief faced such severe charges or punishment. Intelligence chiefs traditionally occupy a near-mythical status in Pakistan due to their influence, secrecy, and direct involvement in national security.
Hameed’s downfall represents:
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A major recalibration of institutional boundaries
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A message to serving officers that no individual is above the law
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A clear effort to restore internal discipline and credibility
3.2 Post-May 9 Turmoil and Political Instability
The events of May 9, 2023, in which military installations were attacked following Imran Khan’s arrest, became a major part of the broader political context surrounding Hameed’s case.
ISPR confirmed that:
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His involvement in “creating agitation and unrest” was examined
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Connections to political actors and May 9 incidents formed part of the investigation
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The role he played in influencing political movements was considered a threat to state stability
4. The Legal Process: 15 Months of Evidence, Witnesses, and Defence
According to ISPR and the government:
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Multiple witnesses testified
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Documentary evidence was reviewed
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Hameed was granted full legal representation
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Every procedural safeguard under military law was applied
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar stressed that “every piece of evidence was examined” and that the verdict was not rushed, but the product of a thorough process.
Tarar further described the decision as:
“A historic verdict based purely on facts, not allegations.”
He added that anyone who “crosses the red line”—a metaphor for undermining the state’s stability—would face legal consequences regardless of rank or status.
5. Government Reactions: A Message of Zero Tolerance
Both the Information Minister and the Defence Minister reacted strongly to the sentencing.
5.1 Information Minister’s Remarks
Tarar stated:
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Hameed “misused his authority” and must face the consequences
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He acted as PTI’s “political strategist” after retirement
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He conspired to weaken the writ of the state
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More investigations into political and security-related misconduct are ongoing
Tarar called the verdict “a victory of truth and justice”, and confirmed further action is expected.
5.2 Defence Minister Khawaja Asif’s Reaction
Khawaja Asif posted on X:
“The nation will reap the harvest of the seeds sown by Faiz Hameed and Bajwa for years.”
His comment highlighted deeper institutional concerns around political interference by senior military leadership.
6. Broader Implications: What the Faiz Hameed Conviction Means for Pakistan
This sentencing marks a milestone that will have far-reaching consequences for Pakistan’s:
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Civil-military relations
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Political stability
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Internal accountability mechanisms
6.1 An Attempt to Redraw Military Boundaries
By prosecuting a former ISI chief, the Army signals that:
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Political involvement by officers will not be tolerated
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Institutional discipline is being reasserted
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Reform and accountability are becoming strategic priorities
6.2 Impact on PTI and the Political Arena
The allegations that Hameed advised PTI and influenced political events create additional challenges for the party, which already faces numerous legal and political hurdles.
6.3 A New Precedent
This case sets a legal and institutional precedent:
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No retired general is immune
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Intelligence chiefs can be held accountable
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National security violations will be prosecuted even post-retirement
Conclusion: A Defining Moment in Pakistan’s Power Landscape
The 14-year sentence handed to former ISI chief Faiz Hameed is more than a legal verdict—it is a historic political and institutional earthquake.
It:
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Forces a re-evaluation of civil-military relations
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Signals a new era of internal accountability
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Reveals the depth of political involvement by senior military figures
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Marks the most significant disciplinary action against a top intelligence figure in Pakistan’s history
As more investigations unfold, Pakistan may be entering a transformative phase where longstanding power structures, institutional norms, and political alliances undergo sweeping change.