In an unprecedented judicial development within Pakistan’s military establishment, former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) director Faiz Hameed has been sentenced to 14 years imprisonment by a military tribunal. The verdict concludes a 15-month legal process that marks the first court martial of an ISI chief in the nation’s history.
The military court convicted Hameed on multiple serious charges including violation of state secrets under the Official Secrets Act, unauthorized political interference, misuse of authority and government resources, and actions detrimental to citizens’ welfare. The proceedings, conducted behind closed doors beginning August 12, 2024, were administered under the Pakistan Army Act.
Hameed, who helmed the country’s premier intelligence agency from 2019 to 2021 during former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s administration, was widely recognized as a steadfast Khan loyalist. He opted for early retirement shortly after Khan’s removal through a parliamentary no-confidence motion in 2022.
The military’s public relations division (ISPR) confirmed in an official communiqué that the defendant was afforded legal representation of his choice throughout the judicial process. The statement further clarified that Hameed retains the right to challenge the verdict through an appeal to Pakistan’s Supreme Court.
Separately, investigations continue regarding Hameed’s alleged involvement in instigating political unrest, particularly concerning protests triggered by Imran Khan’s arrest on May 9, 2023. This aspect of the case remains under exclusive military jurisdiction and will be addressed through subsequent legal channels.
The sentencing of someone who held what is considered Pakistan’s second-most powerful military position signals significant institutional repercussions within the country’s political-military framework.