Ex-ISI chief jailed for 14 years

In an unprecedented development in Pakistan's civil-military history, former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed on Thursday was convicted and sentenced to 14 years of rigorous imprisonment following a protracted military trial.

This is the first time a former spymaster and one of the most influential generals of his generation was tried and punished under the Pakistan Army Act.

The decision was announced by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) in a statement, saying that the Field General Court Martial (FGCM) proceedings began on August 12, 2024 and continued for 15 months before the verdict was formally promulgated on December 11.

According to ISPR, the former three-star general was tried on four charges that include engaging in political activities, violation of the Official Secrets Act, misuse of authority and government resources as well as causing wrongful loss to persons.

The military's media wing stated that Faiz was "found guilty on all charges after lengthy and laborious legal proceedings" and that the trial fulfilled all legal requirements. "The accused was afforded all legal rights, including the right to a defence team of his choice," the statement added. The convict retains the right to appeal before the appropriate forum.

While senior officers have faced disciplinary action in the past, no former ISI chief has ever been tried, let alone convicted, through a full court martial.

The trial of Faiz Hameed marks a watershed moment in the accountability of military officials, particularly those who once held positions central to Pakistan's national security, political architecture, and strategic planning.

Faiz's tenure as DG ISI, beginning in 2019, was among the most politically contentious in recent memory. He was widely perceived as one of the most powerful military figures in the country with an oversized influence on political developments during the PTI government.

His transfer from the ISI in 2021 triggered a rare public dispute between the civilian leadership and the military establishment.

After his premature retirement in 2022, Faiz largely maintained a low public profile but investigations found his engagements, political involvement and matters detrimental to state security. These inquiries eventually resulted in the invocation of a formal FGCM, something rarely used for officers of his seniority.

The proceedings, spanning more than a year, involved examination of sensitive records and testimonies from military and civilian officials.

The most serious charge was the violation of the Official Secrets Act, which accused Faiz of handling classified information in a manner deemed "detrimental to the safety and interest of the state".

The charge of engaging in political activities stemmed from what investigators describe as "interference in political processes", including alleged coordination with political groups and individuals.

While the ISPR statement avoided naming any political figure, its reference to "fomenting vested political agitation and instability in cahoots with political elements" signals that this activity is being examined in a separate inquiry.

The FGCM also found the former general guilty of misuse of authority, a sweeping charge that covered unauthorised deployments of resources, misuse of official privileges and instances where personal or political considerations were prioritised over institutional norms.

The final charge, causing wrongful loss to persons, relates to complaints that have surfaced publicly in recent years, particularly involving alleged coercive actions against individuals during his service tenure.

The conviction represents a strong message from the military leadership, which has repeatedly emphasised the need for institutional discipline and non-interference in political affairs. Since 2023, the army's central theme has been "apolitical posture" and internal accountability.

By allowing a full trial of a former ISI chief, someone who once sat at the apex of the national security hierarchy, the institution appears keen to demonstrate that no officer is beyond scrutiny.

Some observers view the verdict as part of the military's broader effort to distance itself from past controversies and assert a new framework where institutional boundaries are more clearly defined.

Others believe that while the conviction will be seen as a significant step towards accountability, it may also deepen political polarisation, particularly among those who have previously supported or opposed the former general.

Faiz's legal team has the right to challenge the verdict before the Army Court of Appeals, a step they are expected to take soon.

Legal analysts note that appeals in FGCM cases can engage additional layers of internal review, and in exceptional cases, subsequent petitions may reach civilian courts.

Meanwhile, the ISPR statement makes it clear that the political dimension of Faiz's conduct is still under examination, marking the possibility of further disclosures or proceedings.

Officials say the "separate matters" relate to activities that fall outside the charges addressed in the FGCM.

For Pakistan, where debates over civil-military relations have long shaped the political landscape, the sentencing of a former ISI chief is significant on multiple fronts. It signals a readiness within the military to confront internal misconduct, regardless of rank or influence. It also raises critical questions about past political engineering and future limits on military involvement in governance.

Whether the conviction marks a long-term structural shift or a singular corrective action remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: Pakistan has entered uncharted territory by holding one of its most powerful former generals legally accountable and the consequences of this decision will reverberate for years.