Pakistan has sentenced former intelligence chief Faiz Hameed to fourteen years in prison after a closed-door military trial that accused him of breaching state secrecy, misusing authority, and interfering in politics, according to an announcement by the army’s public relations wing on Thursday.
Hameed, who led the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) from 2019 to 2021 under then-prime minister Imran Khan, is the first former head of the agency to face court martial proceedings. His conviction marks a rare move against a figure long viewed as one of the country’s most influential security officials.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the fifteen-month trial began on August 12, 2024, under the Pakistan Army Act. He was charged with “involvement in political activities, violation of the Official Secrets Act which harmed the interest of the state, misuse of his powers and government resources, and causing harm to citizens”.
The statement said Hameed “had the right to have a defence team of his choice” and retains the right to appeal the verdict before the Supreme Court of Pakistan.
The military did not release evidence or details of the proceedings, as the hearings were held in a military court, and the case file remains classified.
ISPR noted that separate investigations are continuing into Hameed’s alleged role in political instability and agitation. While no specifics were given, the inquiry is believed to relate to protests that erupted after Imran Khan’s arrest on May 9, 2023, according to reporting by BBC and other outlets.
Hamed was widely regarded as a key supporter of Khan during his tenure as ISI chief. He retired early after Khan was voted out of office in 2022.
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The ISI chief is often described as the second most influential position in Pakistan’s military structure. No previous intelligence chief has been court martialled, making this case a significant departure from precedent.
The verdict comes as Pakistan continues to reckon with political instability that began with Khan’s ouster and deepened with a series of security and legal battles involving his allies.
Hameed’s appeal is expected to become the next major test of the case, particularly as the Supreme Court weighs how to address convictions handed down by military courts.