Faiz Hameed Sentenced to 14 Years by Military Court in Pakistan

Former Pakistani Army general Faiz Hameed, a controversial and influential figure, has been sentenced to 14 years of rigorous imprisonment by a military court. He was convicted for engaging in political activities, abusing his authority and state resources, causing unlawful harm to individuals and violating the Official Secrets Act.

Over the past decade, Faiz Hameed became known as a polarising personality in Pakistan’s political landscape. He first drew public attention in November 2017 during the Faizabad sit-in led by Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan. At that time, he signed the agreement as a mediator. His role in negotiating a peaceful end to the crisis highlighted his influence and ability to handle sensitive situations.

Faiz Hameed was considered a close ally of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who appointed him as the head of the country’s intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence. In Pakistan, the ISI chief is often regarded as the second most powerful official after the army chief. Faiz Hameed served as Director General ISI from 2019 to 2021, and his global visibility increased when he was seen drinking tea in a Kabul hotel lobby after the Taliban took control of Afghanistan following the withdrawal of US and allied forces.

Throughout his career, he held several important posts. He also commanded the Peshawar and Bahawalpur Corps. However, his legal troubles escalated after a citizen filed a petition against him in the Supreme Court in November 2023.

The case involved Moeez Ahmed Khan, the owner of a private housing society in Islamabad called Top City. In his petition, he alleged that on 12 May 2017, Rangers and ISI personnel raided his property and took gold, diamonds and other valuables.

After hearing the case, the Supreme Court ruled in August 2024 that the allegations against Faiz Hameed involving the theft of valuables and society records were serious and could not be ignored.

By the time the Supreme Court issued its decision, Faiz Hameed had already retired. The army then took him into custody for court-martial proceedings. The military announced that a Field General Court Martial had been initiated against him based on violations of the Army Act and accusations of misconduct.

His trial became one of the most significant court-martial cases in Pakistan’s military history, because Faiz Hameed was only the second three-star general, and the first former ISI chief, to face such proceedings.

According to a statement released by the Inter-Services Public Relations on Thursday, Faiz Hameed was sentenced after a 15-month-long Field General Court Martial conducted under the Pakistan Army Act.

ISPR also said that matters related to his alleged collusion with political groups and involvement in political unrest are being dealt with separately.