A Pakistani military court has sentenced retired Lieutenant General Faiz Hameed, the former head of the powerful Inter‑Services Intelligence (ISI) agency, to 14 years of rigorous imprisonment, marking one of the most high‑profile verdicts in the country’s recent military and political history.
The Field General Court Martial (FGCM) delivered the sentence on December 11, 2025, concluding a 15‑month court‑martial process initiated in August 2024 under the Pakistan Army Act.
Charges and Verdict
According to the Pakistan military’s media wing, the Inter‑Services Public Relations (ISPR), Hameed was convicted on four key charges:
Engaging in political activities
Violation of the Official Secrets Act in a way deemed harmful to state security
Misuse of authority and government resources
Causing wrongful loss to individuals
After what the military described as “lengthy and laborious legal proceedings,” the court found him guilty on all counts and handed down the 14‑year sentence. The ISPR also emphasized that the proceedings complied with legal standards and that Hameed was afforded full defense rights, including the ability to retain counsel of his choosing.
Right to Appeal and Further Proceedings
While the sentence has been promulgated, Hameed retains the right to appeal to an appropriate forum, according to the military’s statement. Additionally, authorities noted that aspects of his alleged involvement in fomenting political agitation alongside civilian elements may be pursued separately.
Background and Context
Hameed is a retired three‑star general of the Pakistan Army and held the role of Director General of the ISI from 2019 to 2021. In Pakistan’s power structure, the ISI chief is traditionally one of the most influential figures, both within the military and across political circles.
His tenure coincided with the government of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, and Hameed was widely seen as a close ally of Khan before his ouster in a no‑confidence vote in 2022. Hameed took early retirement soon after Khan was removed from office and was later detained as part of an internal military probe that followed a Supreme Court‑mandated investigation connected to the Top City housing project case.
Significance of the Decision
Legal analysts note that sentencing a former intelligence chief is a rare and significant development in Pakistan, where the military has traditionally operated with considerable autonomy and influence over national affairs. The verdict sends a clear message about accountability within the ranks of the armed forces, even for senior figures once considered untouchable.
Political reactions at home have varied, with some leaders framing the verdict as a milestone in upholding the rule of law, while others warn of deeper tensions between Pakistan’s military and civilian political spheres.