In a landmark and unprecedented decision, a Pakistani military court on Thursday, December 11, 2025, sentenced retired Lieutenant General Faiz Hamid, the former Director General of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), to 14 years of rigorous imprisonment.
Kabul 24: The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military’s media wing, announced that the Field General Court Martial found Hamid guilty on all charges after a 15-month-long trial under the Pakistan Army Act.theprint.in
Hameed, who served as ISI chief from 2019 to 2021 during the tenure of then-Prime Minister Imran Khan, faced four main charges: engaging in political activities, violating the Official Secrets Act in a manner detrimental to state security and interests, misuse of authority and government resources, and causing wrongful loss to individuals.
The case originated from allegations related to the “Top City” housing project scandal, where Hamid was accused of abusing power to pressure a private owner.
The ISPR emphasized that the trial was thorough, complying with all legal provisions, and that Hameed was afforded full rights, including choosing his defense team. He has the right to appeal the verdict.dawn.com
Faiz Hamid meeting with former Prime Minister Imran Khan after assuming ISI role in 2019, highlighting their close alliance.
Hameed’s close ties to Imran Khan, the jailed former prime minister who has been imprisoned since August 2023 on various charges, have long been a point of controversy. Many view Hameed as a key figure in alleged political engineering during Khan’s government.
Separate investigations continue into his potential role in instigating the May 9, 2023, riots, when Khan’s supporters attacked military installations following his arrest.
This conviction marks a rare instance of accountability for a high-ranking former intelligence chief in Pakistan, where the military wields immense influence and such prosecutions are uncommon.
Analysts describe it as a signal from the current army leadership, under Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, that no officer—regardless of rank—is above the law when it comes to political interference.
Reactions poured in swiftly. Defense Minister Khawaja Asif accused Hameed of sowing seeds of instability, while some see the ruling as internal military settling of scores. Others hail it as a step toward curbing military meddling in politics.
The verdict could have far-reaching implications for Pakistan’s volatile political landscape, underscoring tensions between the powerful establishment and political figures like Khan.
Once one of the most influential men in the country, Hameed’s fall from grace serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of crossing institutional red lines.
