RAWALPINDI: The Field General Court Martial (FGCM) has sentenced former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) director general Faiz Hameed to 14 years rigorous imprisonment.
The accused was tried on four charges related to engaging in political activities, violation of Official Secrets Act detrimental to safety and interest of the State, misuse of authority & government resources, and causing wrongful loss to persons, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) in a statement said on Thursday.
“After lengthy and laborious legal proceedings, the accused has been found guilty on all charges and sentenced to 14 years rigorous imprisonment by the court which has been promulgated on December 11, 2025,” the ISPR statement said.
On August 12, 2024, process of FGCM was initiated against Lieutenant General (retd) Faiz Hameed after he was taken into military custody under the provisions of Pakistan Army Act spreading over 15 months. The FGCM complied with all legal provisions and the accused was afforded with all legal rights, including rights of defence team of his choice. “The convict has the right of appeal at the relevant forum,” the Pakistan Army media wing said.
It said the involvement of the convict in fomenting vested political agitation and instability in cahoots with political elements and in certain other matters is separately being dealt with. The ISPR said that complying with the orders of Supreme Court of Pakistan, a detailed court of inquiry was undertaken by the Pakistan Army, to ascertain correctness of complaints in Top City case made against Faiz Hameed. Consequently, appropriate disciplinary action has been initiated against the accused under the provisions of Pakistan Army Act.
In addition, it had stated that multiple instances of violation of Pakistan Army Act post-retirement have also been established and the process of FGCM has been initiated. The Supreme Court in November, 2024, had observed that allegations of an “extremely serious nature” against the ex-spymaster “cannot be left unattended” as they would undermine the reputation of the country’s institutions if they were proven to be true.
The ISPR on December 10, 2024 had announced that Faiz Hameed was formally arraigned on charges engaging in political activities, violations of Official Secrets Act detrimental to safety and interest of the State, misuse of authority & government resources, and causing wrongful loss to a person(s). It also stated that during the process, involvement of Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed, in events related to creating agitation and unrest, leading up to multiple incidents including but not limited to May 9, 2023 incident for fomenting instability; at the behest of and in collusion with vested political interests, is also being separately investigated.
Faiz Hameed now has the right to appeal with the Court of Appeals within 40 days of promulgation of the rigorous imprisonment. The Section 133B of the Army Act, 1952 provides that any person to whom a court-martial has awarded a sentence of death, imprisonment for life, imprisonment exceeding three months, or dismissal from the service after the commencement of the Pakistan Army (Amendment) Act, 1992, may, within 40 days from the date of announcement of finding or sentence or promulgation thereof, whichever is earlier, prefer an appeal against the finding or sentence to a Court of Appeals.
The Court of Appeals shall consist of the [Chief of the Army Staff concurrently the Chief of the Defence Forces] or one or more officers designated by him in this behalf, presided by an officer not below the rank of brigadier in the case of General Court-Martial or FGCM or District Court-Martial or Summary Court Martial convened or confirmed or countersigned by an officer of the rank of brigadier or below as the case may be, and one or more officers, presided by an officer not below the rank of Major General in other cases, hereinafter referred to as the Court of Appeals. The convict on rejection of his appeal by the Court of Appeals can file mercy petition with the Chief of the Army Staff concurrently the Chief of the Defence Forces.
Meanwhile, political leaders belonging to the ruling alliance have reacted to the conviction of former ISI chief. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said that the nation will face the consequences of decisions made under former army chief General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa and the ex-spymaster. In a post on X, Asif wrote, “The country will keep reaping the harvest of seeds sown by Faiz Hameed and General [retd] Bajwa for years. May God forgive us. May those in power recognise that authority is a divine trust and use it for the welfare of His creation. May the fear of God guide the rulers. Ameen.”
Federal Information Minister Atta Tarar, while speaking to Geo News, described the verdict as a “historic” and “landmark” decision, saying that the decision strengthens the rule of law and accountability mechanisms in Pakistan. Tarar said that red lines had been crossed and political interference had taken place. He said that the former ISI chief had acted as a political adviser to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and provided the party with “full political support.” The information minister said that the decision would reinforce the rule of law and the country’s accountability mechanisms. He added that the trial was fair, saying Faiz Hameed was given a full opportunity to defend himself, including the chance to present evidence and witnesses in his favour. Tarar further revealed that investigations into Faiz Hameed’s alleged involvement in political matters were still ongoing and would continue.
Meanwhile, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah said the politicians who sided with the former ISI chief should also be tried in military court. His interference in politics has been proved. Internal accountability system of army is robust. Those who joined hands with Faiz Hameed should also be put to trial, he said.
He held the former spymaster kept on misusing his official and military status. “He was directly involved in case against me. I am not expressing delight over the sentence. The institution like army has enormous importance.” A strong system of accountability and severe action against the violators of discipline is in place in the army. Faiz Hameed was involved in political activities. He could not do this job alone. Some politicians were also with him, the PM’s adviser said.
Meanwhile, talking to the media in Rawalpindi, PTI leader and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi said that Faiz Hameed was an employee of an institution; if he has been punished in any matter, it is an internal affair of that institution.
Asim Javed adds: In a statement, Pakistan Ex-Servicemen Society’s chief organiser Aziz Ahmed Awan welcomed the decision to sentence former DG ISI Lieutenant General (retd) Faiz Hameed to 14-year imprisonment by the Field General Court Martial, saying that this decision is not just against an individual, but a clear message that the institutions of the State of Pakistan do not consider themselves above the law.
“Personality or position does not matter, whoever will undermine the foundation of this country, it will be brought to an end,” he said. Aziz Ahmed Awan said that General Faiz Hameed gave priority to personal interests in state affairs and damaged the prestige of the state by misusing power. “The entire credit for this accountability process goes to Chief of Defence Forces Asim Munir. This decision has set the right direction for the future,” he said. Awan further said that the cases of May 9 against Faiz Hameed are still pending. On May 9, a big conspiracy was hatched against Pakistan, which is being investigated.
