Former ISI Chief Jailed: Pakistan’s Military Court Sentences Former Chief Faiz Hameed to 14 Years in Prison: A Historic Verdict with Deep Political and Security Implications

In a landmark ruling that underscores shifting dynamics within Pakistan’s civil-military relations, a military court has sentenced retired Lieutenant General Faiz Hameed, former head of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), to 14 years of rigorous imprisonment. The verdict, promulgated on 11 December 2025, marks one of the most consequential prosecutions of a senior military figure in Pakistan’s recent history, reflecting broader concerns over accountability, political interference, and the rule of law within the country’s powerful security establishment.

Retired Lt. Gen. Hameed, who served as the 29th Director General of the ISI from 2019 to 2021, was tried under the provisions of the Pakistan Army Act by a Field General Court Martial (FGCM) following his arrest in August 2024. The court found him guilty on four principal charges: engaging in political activities prohibited for military personnel, violating the Official Secrets Act in ways deemed detrimental to state security, misuse of authority and government resources, and causing wrongful loss to individuals.

A Case Studied Through the Lens of Civil-Military Accountability

Hameed’s prosecution and conviction represent a significant departure from the traditional practice in Pakistan whereby senior military officers—especially those with connections to political figures—have seldom faced legal consequences for misconduct. Pakistan’s military has historically been a dominant institution with profound influence over political and strategic affairs, and this case has raised questions about internal accountability mechanisms within the army and the broader balance of civilian and military power.

According to the official statement released by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Pakistan’s military spokesperson wing, the FGCM trial adhered to all legal protocols. Hameed was provided full legal rights, including representation by counsel of his own choosing and the opportunity to present evidence and witnesses in his defense. The trial, which lasted approximately 15 months, was described as “lengthy and laborious.”

The convicted former spymaster retains the right to appeal the sentence under Section 133B of the Pakistan Army Act; appeal proceedings must be initiated within the statutory window and will be heard by a court of appeals designated by the Chief of Army Staff.

The Charges: From Political Interference to State Secrets

The core allegations against Hameed include political interference, an especially sensitive accusation given Pakistan’s fraught political landscape. The military’s statement noted that Hameed had been involved in political activities after his retirement, which contravenes established norms prohibiting retired military leaders from engaging in partisan political conduct. While the ISPR did not provide granular details on evidence, government officials have alleged that Hameed served as a political advisor and had close ties with politicians, particularly members of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party.

Hameed’s tenure as ISI chief coincided with broad and sometimes controversial intelligence activity domestically, and some critics accuse him of fostering instability when engaging with political actors. Separately from the charges adjudicated in the FGCM, the military indicated that Hameed’s “involvement in fomenting vested political agitation and instability in cohorts with political elements” is being investigated through other mechanisms.

Another key charge involved violations of the Official Secrets Act. This legislation is designed to safeguard state secrets and sensitive intelligence, and breaches can carry severe penalties given their potential implications for national security. Hameed was accused of actions detrimental to the safety and interests of the state, though the precise nature of the alleged breaches has not been fully disclosed by military authorities.

Broader Context: Political Turmoil and Institutional Dynamics

Hameed’s sentencing emerges against the backdrop of prolonged political turmoil in Pakistan. The former prime minister and PTI founder, Imran Khan, has been imprisoned on multiple charges since his arrest in 2023, and his political movement continues to exert significant influence among portions of the electorate. Hameed was widely perceived as a close ally of Khan during his tenure as ISI director, which has fueled debate about the intersection of military leadership and political ambition. The Business Standard

Critics argue that the sentencing could be interpreted as a move by the current military leadership to reassert control and diminish the influence of figures aligned with previous power centers. Supporters of accountability maintain that the verdict demonstrates that no individual, regardless of rank or affiliation, is above the law.

Pakistan’s civilian political class has largely welcomed the conviction, framing it as an example of institutional responsibility and legal oversight within the armed forces. However, human rights groups and opposition voices have also raised concerns about transparency and the concentration of prosecutorial power within military courts rather than civilian judicial forums. These voices note that military proceedings are often conducted behind closed doors, potentially limiting public scrutiny and due process. For broader perspectives on the unfolding case, this article from The Washington Post offers additional context and analysis: Pakistan military court sentences ex-spy chief Faiz Hameed to 14 years in prison.

Legal Precedent and Future Implications

The sentencing of a former ISI chief to a significant prison term under military law is without direct precedent in Pakistan’s modern history. It signals a willingness among military leadership to pursue internal accountability actions, even against influential former officers. How this trend affects future civil-military relations will depend on whether the proceedings remain consistent with principles of due process and transparency—both domestically and to international observers.

Hameed’s appeal, if pursued, will be closely watched by legal experts, political analysts, and international stakeholders. The eventual outcome may have lasting implications for Pakistan’s rule of law framework, the role of military justice, and the oversight of intelligence institutions.

In sum, the conviction of Faiz Hameed constitutes a watershed moment in Pakistan’s institutional evolution—one that reflects ongoing tensions between power, accountability, and political alignment within one of South Asia’s most strategically significant states.

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