Pakistan Court Hands Former Spy Boss 14-Year Prison Sentence for Treason
London-UK, December 12, 2025
Ex-ISI Chief Faiz Hameed Jailed: The Unprecedented Conviction Shaking Pakistan’s Establishment
In a landmark decision that shatters the long-standing perception of invulnerability surrounding Pakistan’s powerful military and intelligence elite, a Field General Court Martial (FGCM) has sentenced former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Director-General, Lieutenant General (Retired) Faiz Hameed, to fourteen years of rigorous imprisonment.
This Ex-ISI Chief Faiz Hameed Jailed verdict is the first of its kind in Pakistan’s 78-year history, making the former spy boss the most senior military figure ever convicted and sentenced on charges of political interference and gross misuse of authority.
The punishment, which was promulgated on December 11, 2025, follows a rigorous, 15-month court-martial process conducted under the Pakistan Army Act, sending a powerful message that the military leadership is committed to internal accountability, regardless of rank or past influence, even as the country navigates immense political instability.
The charges against Lt. Gen. Hameed, who held the powerful ISI post between 2019 and 2021, were extensive and politically charged.
The military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), confirmed Hameed was found guilty on four counts, which collectively point to a violation of the professional code of conduct expected of senior officers.
The verdict is widely seen as a pivotal moment, signaling a decisive break from the era where powerful figures were perceived to be above the law, and aiming to draw a firm line against institutional involvement in the nation’s fractious political landscape, particularly given Hameed’s known close association with imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Headlines Points
• Historic Conviction: Lt. Gen. (Retired) Faiz Hameed is the first former ISI Director-General in Pakistan’s history to be tried, convicted, and sentenced to jail by a military court.
• 14-Year Sentence: The Field General Court Martial (FGCM) sentenced Hameed to 14 years of rigorous imprisonment after finding him guilty on all four charges.
• Four Charges Detailed: The charges included engaging in political activities, violating the Official Secrets Act, misuse of authority and government resources, and causing wrongful loss to individuals.
• Political Fallout: The verdict is widely interpreted as the military establishment asserting its new, neutral stance against the backdrop of years of political engineering and unrest, particularly linked to the former government.
• Appeal Option: Hameed was afforded full legal rights during the trial, including legal counsel of his choice, and retains the right to appeal the verdict within 40 days to the Chief of the Army Staff.
The Charges: Violation of the Official Secrets Act and Misuse of Authority
The four charges on which the former spy chief was convicted underscore the gravity of his offenses. Crucially, the charges included violation of the Official Secrets Act in a manner deemed detrimental to the safety and interest of the state.
This is a severe accusation that touches upon the very core mandate of an intelligence chief.
The other charges—engaging in political activities and the misuse of authority and government resources—relate directly to allegations that Hameed, during his tenure, actively interfered in domestic politics, often to the advantage of his perceived political allies.
The military’s proceedings were reportedly initiated in 2024 following an internal probe ordered by the Supreme Court of Pakistan into allegations linked to the “Top City project scam.”
This land dispute involved a private housing society near Islamabad, where Hameed was accused of directing illegal raids and using his official capacity to coerce business transfers and intimidate the owner, causing “wrongful loss” to private citizens.
The conviction on these four counts confirms the military’s stance that Hameed overstepped his legal and constitutional boundaries at the behest of certain political elements.
A Defining Moment for the Military and Politics
The conviction sends an undeniable signal that the current military leadership, headed by General Asim Munir, is intent on drawing a firm boundary between the armed forces and Pakistan’s messy civilian politics.
Hameed’s powerful position as the head of the ISI made him a key figure in Pakistan’s political manoeuvring for several years, and his trial and conviction serve as a potent example that high rank will no longer guarantee immunity for actions that violate the Army Act and compromise the integrity of the state.
While most major political parties have welcomed the verdict as a step toward accountability, the consequences for the political landscape remain complex.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stated that Pakistan will continue to bear the consequences of the political choices made by Hameed and his close associates, stressing the long-term impact of institutional interference.
Furthermore, the ISPR statement noted that Hameed’s “involvement in fomenting vested political agitation and instability in cohorts with political elements and in certain other matters is separately being dealt with,” indicating that the military may not be finished with its internal clean-up and that further revelations could yet emerge, potentially affecting other figures involved in the unrest of May 2023.
This rare prosecution of such a high-ranking official marks a new, uncertain chapter in the delicate civil-military balance of power in Pakistan.
