Pakistan’s Former Spy Master Jailed for 14 Years in Political Interference Case

A powerful former Pakistani intelligence chief has been imprisoned. Retired Lieutenant General Faiz Hameed was sentenced to 14 years by a military court. The verdict was announced on Thursday. It follows a lengthy secret trial over the past 15 months.

The ex-Director General of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) was found guilty on multiple charges. According to the Associated Press, these included political meddling and violating state secrets. The case marks a rare public fall for a top military figure in Pakistan.

Court Martial Finds Guilt on All Counts

The Field General Court Martial tried Hameed under the Pakistan Army Act. A military statement detailed the four charges. They involved unlawful political activity and misuse of authority. Violating the Official Secrets Act was a central part of the case.

The court process was described as lengthy and laborious. The military insisted all legal protocols were followed. Hameed was allowed to choose his own lawyer for defense. He retains the right to appeal the decision to a higher authority.

His arrest in 2024 followed a Supreme Court order. It demanded an inquiry into a land scandal known as the Top City project. The firm was developing private housing near Islamabad. This investigation ultimately led to the court-martial proceedings.

A Notorious Figure and His Political Ties

Faiz Hameed is a retired three-star general from the Baloch Regiment. He led the ISI from 2019 to 2021, a period of significant political turbulence. He is widely perceived as a close ally of imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Khan was removed by a no-confidence vote in April 2022. He has since been convicted on graft charges. Hameed’s sentencing is viewed within the context of this ongoing political struggle. It underscores the military’s complex role in Pakistani politics.

The arrest and sentencing of such a senior retired officer is unusual. Pakistan’s military wields considerable influence behind the scenes. Public trials of its own top brass are uncommon. This case signals a significant internal reckoning.

The 14-year sentence for former spy chief Faiz Hameed closes a major chapter. It demonstrates the military judiciary holding one of its own accountable for crossing clear lines. This landmark decision will reverberate through Pakistan’s powerful security and political establishments for years to come.

Info at your fingertips

Who is Faiz Hameed?

He is a retired Pakistani army lieutenant general. Hameed served as the director-general of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) from 2019 until 2021. He was a powerful figure within the country’s military establishment.

What were the specific charges against him?

The military court found him guilty on four counts. The charges included engaging in political activities and violating the Official Secrets Act. Misuse of authority and causing loss to individuals were also proven.

Can Faiz Hameed appeal the sentence?

Yes, he can. The military’s official statement confirmed his right to appeal. He may challenge the verdict before the appropriate appellate authority.

Why is this case significant?

It is rare for such a high-ranking former intelligence chief to be tried and jailed publicly. The case highlights allegations of political interference by the military. It also shows an internal crackdown on perceived misconduct.

What was the Top City project scandal?

It involved a private firm developing land near Islamabad for a housing scheme. Pakistan’s Supreme Court ordered an inquiry into the project. This inquiry ultimately led to the investigation against Hameed.

How is Imran Khan connected to this?

Faiz Hameed is considered a close ally of the former prime minister. Khan was in power during part of Hameed’s tenure as spy chief. The sentencing occurs while Khan himself is imprisoned on separate charges.