Pakistan's Ex-ISI Chief Jailed 14 Years

A military court in Pakistan has sentenced Lieutenant General (retired) Faiz Hameed, the former head of the powerful Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) spy agency, to 14 years in prison, the army announced on Thursday, December 11, 2025. This landmark verdict follows a 15-month court-martial process, marking a significant development in the nation's political and military landscape.

greaterkashmir.com reported, The charges against Hameed include serious offenses such as violation of state secrets, misuse of authority and government resources, and engaging in political activities during his tenure. Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed that the Field General Court Martial found him guilty on all four counts.

This conviction is particularly notable as it marks the first time in Pakistan's 78-year history that a former chief of the ISI has been sentenced. The ruling underscores the military leadership's firm stance against any political involvement by its officers, regardless of rank.

washingtonpost.com noted, Proceedings against the former spy chief commenced on August 12, 2024, under the Pakistan Army Act, ensuring Hameed was afforded full legal rights, including the choice of his defense team, according to ISPR. He retains the right to appeal the verdict before the relevant forum.

Hameed, who served as DG ISI from 2019 to 2021, was widely considered a close associate of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. His jailing is broadly perceived as part of a broader crackdown on allies of the imprisoned former premier.

arabnews.com reported, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar hailed the decision, stating that the verdict against Hameed was based squarely on evidence presented during the trial. He emphasized that the former spy chief was given "every opportunity" to defend himself, calling it a "victory of truth".

Major political parties across Pakistan have largely welcomed the verdict, with journalist Mubashir Zaidi describing the sentencing for involvement in politics as "a good beginning." This rare prosecution of a high-ranking former military official sends a strong message within the country.

• greaterkashmir.com noted, Background and Influential Career: Lieutenant General (retired) Faiz Hameed held the prestigious position of Director General of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) from June 2019 to October 2021, a period of significant political activity in Pakistan. Prior to this, he served as Director General Counter-Intelligence Directorate of ISI from 2017 to 2019, and was seen as a close confidant of then-Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa. His rapid rise and influence led many to consider him a potential contender for the army chief position before his premature retirement in December 2022.

• The "Top City" Scandal and Arrest: Hameed's legal troubles began with his detention in 2024, following an internal probe ordered by Pakistan's Supreme Court into allegations linked to the "Top City" housing project scam near Islamabad. This investigation involved accusations of land grabbing and illegal raids on the businesses of a private real estate developer, Moeez Ahmed Khan, who petitioned the Supreme Court regarding Hameed's alleged misconduct while DG-ISI.

• washingtonpost.com reported, Legal Framework: Official Secrets Act and Army Act: The charges against Hameed were brought under the Pakistan Army Act and included violations of the Official Secrets Act, 1923. The Official Secrets Act is a colonial-era law designed to protect classified information and national security, with provisions for severe penalties for unauthorized disclosure or actions detrimental to state interests. The Army Act governs the conduct of military personnel, including restrictions on political involvement even after retirement.

• Allegations of Political Interference: Hameed has faced persistent accusations of engaging in political engineering, particularly during his tenure as DG-ISI. These allegations include playing a role in the ouster of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and actively supporting Imran Khan's government, including influencing parliamentary proceedings and court cases. Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had publicly blamed Hameed for his own removal and the victimization of political rivals.

• arabnews.com noted, Implications for Military-Civilian Relations: Security analyst Syed Muhammad Ali told The Associated Press that the verdict "signals the military leadership's intent that no officer, regardless of rank, will be allowed to engage in politics." This decision is seen as a powerful message aimed at reinforcing discipline within the armed forces and redefining the boundaries of military involvement in Pakistan's political landscape.

• Rarity and Precedent: The conviction of a former ISI chief is unprecedented in Pakistan's history, where the military has historically wielded significant influence and high-ranking officers are rarely prosecuted. While other high-profile court-martials have occurred, such as the 1995 coup attempt or cases of financial mismanagement, this specific case sets a new precedent for accountability at the highest levels of the intelligence establishment.

• greaterkashmir.com reported, Right to Appeal and Further Investigations: While the military court has delivered its verdict, Lieutenant General (retired) Faiz Hameed retains the legal right to appeal his conviction before a higher military forum. Furthermore, ISPR indicated that Hameed's "involvement in fomenting vested political agitation and instability in cohorts with political elements and in certain other matters" is being dealt with separately, suggesting potential ongoing investigations or proceedings.