Pakistan Military Court Sentences Ex-ISI Chief Faiz Hameed to 14 Years

Faiz Hameed, the former chief of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), has been handed a 14-year prison term by a military tribunal on several counts, including breaching state secrets and meddling in political affairs. Serving as the head of ISI from 2019 until 2021 under the premiership of Imran Khan, Hameed was a notable ally of Khan, retiring soon after Khan's ousting via a no-confidence vote in 2022.

This event marks a historical precedent, as it is the first time an ex-ISI chief has undergone court-martial proceedings in Pakistan. The ISI chief’s position is deemed second only to the military's top brass, which adds weight to this ruling. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military's communications department, confirmed that the court-martial process began on August 12, 2024, under the auspices of the Pakistan Army Act.

Hameed faced four key charges: engaging in political activities, contravening the Official Secrets Act, misusing governmental powers and resources, and causing detriment to citizens. The ISPR noted that Hameed was afforded the opportunity to appoint his defense counsel and has the right to appeal the decision in the Supreme Court of Pakistan.

The proceedings of the military court were conducted in private, with specific details of the case remaining undisclosed. The ISPR highlighted that investigations are ongoing regarding Hameed’s role in stirring political turmoil, particularly linked to his purported involvement in protests following Imran Khan's arrest on May 9, 2023.

Hameed’s conviction is poised to significantly impact both political and military spheres in Pakistan, accentuating the extant discord between supporters of the previous government and the military hierarchy. Observers assert that this ruling reflects the military's influential role in determining political currents, particularly concerning the actions of former intelligence leaders.

This landmark verdict underscores the accountability structures within the Pakistani military, revealing the judicial repercussions that even high-ranking officials may face when charged with power abuse or breaches of national security.