According to a press release issued by the public relations arm of Pakistani military (ISPR), the 15-month-long court martial proceeding began on August 12, 2024, under the Pakistan Army Act.
Pakistan’s former intelligence chief, Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed, has been handed a 14-year prison sentence by a military court — an unprecedented move marking the first court-martial of a former ISI director general in the country’s history.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Hameed was convicted on four serious charges: engaging in political activities, violating the Official Secrets Act in a manner detrimental to national security, abusing his authority and state resources, and causing unlawful harm to citizens.
The ISPR statement emphasized that Hameed was afforded full legal rights, including “the opportunity to appoint a defence counsel of his choice.” He also retains the right to challenge the verdict in the “appropriate forum,” which, in this case, is the Supreme Court of Pakistan.
Details of the proceedings have not been released, as the trial was conducted in-camera before a military court. The military further noted that allegations regarding his role in “inciting political unrest and instability” are being pursued in separate legal actions.
Hameed previously served as director-general of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) from 2019 to 2021 during the government of former prime minister Imran Khan, with whom he was widely perceived to have close ties. He opted for early retirement soon after Khan’s removal through a no-confidence vote in 2022.
Given that the ISI chief is regarded as one of the most influential positions within Pakistan’s military hierarchy, Hameed’s conviction marks a significant and historic shift in civil-military accountability.
