Faiz Hamid convicted, handed 14-year rigorous imprisonment

News Desk 

Rawalpindi: A Field General Court Martial (FGCM) has handed former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) director general Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hamid a 14-year rigorous imprisonment sentence for engaging in political activities, violating the Official Secrets Act and misusing his authority, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced on Thursday.

According to the military’s media wing, the court martial proceedings—initiated on August 12, 2024—continued for over 15 months. Hamid was tried on four charges, including involvement in political agitation, actions detrimental to state security, misuse of government resources, and causing wrongful loss to citizens.

After “lengthy and laborious legal proceedings,” the FGCM declared him guilty on all counts, with the sentence promulgated on December 11, 2025. ISPR said the process complied with all legal requirements and that Hamid was granted full rights to defence counsel. He retains the right to appeal.

The statement added that Hamid’s alleged role in “fomenting vested political agitation and instability in cohorts with political elements” is being examined separately.

Arrest and Case Background

Hamid was taken into military custody in August 2024 on charges of abusing his authority and violating provisions of the Pakistan Army Act. His arrest followed a petition in the Supreme Court by the CEO of Top City housing society, who accused the retired general of land grabbing and stealing valuables during a raid.

Subsequent investigations—ordered by the Supreme Court—prompted the Pakistan Army to initiate a detailed inquiry. He was formally charged in December 2024 with political interference, misuse of power and violations of the Official Secrets Act.

The ISPR later confirmed that multiple breaches of Army regulations committed after his retirement had also been established.

Three other retired officers were also detained in connection with the same housing society case.

A Controversial Career

Hamid, the first former ISI chief to face a court martial and receive a prison sentence, has long been at the centre of political controversy.

He first drew national attention during the 2017 Faizabad sit-in, where he played a key role in securing an agreement between the government and the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP). The accord famously bore his name—signed “via Major General Faiz Hamid”, triggering debate over military involvement in political affairs.

Promoted to lieutenant general in 2018, Hamid was appointed ISI director general the following year by then prime minister Imran Khan. His tenure saw persistent allegations of political interference, pressure tactics against rivals, and manipulation of political processes—claims echoed by PML-N leaders, including Nawaz Sharif.

In 2021, Hamid made international headlines when he was photographed sipping tea at a Kabul hotel shortly after the Taliban takeover, during a visit reportedly aimed at discussing evacuations, border management and regional security.

Hamid also faced scrutiny after former Islamabad High Court judge Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui accused him of influencing judicial proceedings and manipulating bench formations.

With Thursday’s verdict, Hamid becomes the most senior intelligence official in Pakistan’s history to be convicted on charges related to political interference and breach of state secrecy.

Verdict against Faiz Hameed based on evidence:Tarar

Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar on Thursday said the verdict against Faiz Hameed was based on evidence and delivered after giving him full opportunity to defend himself.

In a statement, Tarar described the verdict as a victory for truth and justice. He emphasized that the military’s system of self-accountability remains robust, calling the latest outcome a clear demonstration of that strength. Tarar noted that an individual who crossed the red line has now been held accountable, after being given full opportunity to defend himself during the trial.

The minister said no one is above the law. He added that after recording all witness statements and examining the evidence, a fair and just verdict was delivered, and that Faiz Hameed was given full opportunity to defend himself and present witnesses during the trial.

Minister Tarar stated that legal action is pursued against anyone who crosses the red line, emphasizing that former intelligence chief Faiz Hameed had misused his authority. Tarar stated that Faiz Hameed had been serving in the role of political adviser to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). He noted that further investigations into political matters are underway. Hameed was found guilty on all charges and also convicted in the Top City case.