Faiz Hameed Sentenced: First Ever Court Martial of a Former ISI Chief

Pakistan’s military has announced that former ISI Director General Lt Gen (Retd) Faiz Hameed has been sentenced to 14 years of rigorous imprisonment after a Field General Court Martial found him guilty on four major charges. This is the first time in Pakistan’s history that a former head of the ISI has been convicted through a court-martial process.

According to an ISPR press release, the proceedings began on 12 August 2024 under relevant sections of the Pakistan Army Act. The charges included:

• Involvement in political activities
• Violations of the Official Secrets Act deemed harmful to state security
• Misuse of authority and government resources
• Causing unlawful harm to individuals

After months of legal proceedings, the court found the retired general guilty on all counts and announced the sentence on 11 December 2025. The ISPR emphasized that Faiz Hameed was provided all legal rights, including the right to choose his own defence team. He also retains the right to appeal.

The press release added that investigations into additional political matters involving the former ISI chief are ongoing, including alleged attempts to create political unrest in collaboration with political actors.

Political Fallout and Government Response

No formal response has yet been issued by Faiz Hameed’s legal team.
Minister for Information Atta Tarar, however, welcomed the verdict, saying:

“The decision is based on evidence. Today, a person who crossed the red line has been held accountable.”

Last year, the ISPR confirmed that following Supreme Court orders, a detailed court of inquiry was launched into allegations filed in the Top City housing society case, leading to disciplinary action under the Army Act.

The inquiry concluded that Faiz Hameed was involved in multiple violations of the Pakistan Army Act after his retirement.

Legal Basis: How a Retired General Can Be Court-Martialed

Under the Army Act:

• Section 92 generally bars court-martial actions against a retired officer after six months.
• But Sections 31 and 40 create exceptions related to incitement to mutiny, financial corruption, fraud, and related misconduct.

These provisions enabled the continuation of proceedings against the retired ISI chief.

Background: The Top City Allegations

The Supreme Court had earlier directed the complainant to approach relevant authorities regarding their allegations. Following this, Army leadership formed a committee led by a Major General to investigate.

According to the petition filed by Moiz Ahmed Khan, owner of Top City housing society:

• On 12 May 2017, Rangers and ISI personnel raided their office and residence in connection with a terrorism case.
• The petitioner alleged that Faiz Hameed’s brother, Sardar Najaf, attempted mediation.
• It was claimed that the retired general indirectly contacted the complainant through a relative to arrange a meeting.
• During the meeting, Faiz allegedly offered to return stolen items except 400 tolas of gold and cash.
• The petition further alleged that retired Brigadiers Naeem Fakhar and Ghaffar pressured the complainant to pay Rs 40 million and fund a private TV channel.

These allegations became the basis of the inquiry that ultimately led to disciplinary proceedings.

Past Examples: Senior Officers Who Faced Court Martial

Lt Gen (Retd) Asad Durrani

Court-martialed and stripped of benefits for co-authoring The Spy Chronicles with former RAW chief A.S. Dulat. His book was deemed to contain sensitive national security material.

Lt Gen Javed Iqbal (2012)

Convicted of espionage for allegedly sharing classified information with India’s RAW. Sentenced to 14 years, later released after a reduced term.

Brigadier Ali Khan (2011)

Charged for links with Hizb-ut-Tahrir and for attempting to incite rebellion within the military.

Lt Gen Ziauddin Butt (2001)

Detained and court-martialed after being appointed Army Chief by PM Nawaz Sharif in defiance of General Musharraf. Later cleared of major conspiracy charges.

Brigadier Niaz (1958)

Tried during Ayub Khan’s era for political activities and alleged conspiracy against the government.

A Historic Verdict With Wider Implications

The conviction of Faiz Hameed — a figure often seen at the center of Pakistan’s political-military controversies — marks a rare and unprecedented moment in the country’s civil-military dynamics.

Analysts believe the case may shape future norms of accountability within the armed forces, especially regarding officers accused of political engineering, influence-peddling, or misuse of authority.