Ex-ISI chief Faiz Hameed sentenced to 14 years in prison
A Field General Court Martial has sentenced former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed to 14 years of rigorous imprisonment after finding him guilty on four major charges, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced on Thursday. The military’s media wing said the court martial process began on August 12, 2024, and continued for 15 months, involving what it described as lengthy and laborious legal proceedings before the final verdict was delivered.
According to ISPR, the former intelligence chief was tried for engaging in political activities, violating the Official Secrets Act in a manner deemed detrimental to state security, misuse of authority and government resources, and causing wrongful losses to individuals. The statement confirmed that he was found guilty on all counts, with the sentence formally promulgated on December 11, 2025.
The military emphasized that the trial was conducted in full compliance with legal provisions, noting that Hameed was granted all procedural guarantees, including the right to a defence team of his choosing. ISPR added that the former ISI chief retains the right to appeal the judgment at the appropriate forum, as provided under military law.
In a significant development, the ISPR statement also hinted at further inquiries, revealing that Hameed’s alleged involvement in fomenting political agitation and instability in collaboration with certain political players is being examined separately. Analysts view the conviction as one of the rare instances of a former senior intelligence chief being tried and sentenced under the Pakistan Army Act, marking a moment of unusual visibility and accountability within the country’s military justice system.
The sentencing has generated considerable reaction across political and institutional circles, with observers noting that the decision underscores an ongoing push for internal discipline and legal scrutiny within the armed forces. The development is expected to fuel intense debate over civil-military relations, transparency, and state security frameworks in the coming days.
