Faiz Hameed convicted on four offenses; involvement in political agitation is being investigated; convict might appeal.
ISLAMABAD:
In an unprecedented occurrence in Pakistan’s civil-military history, former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) head Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed was convicted and sentenced to 14 years in jail on Thursday after a lengthy military trial.
This is the first time a former spymaster and one of the most powerful generals of his age has been prosecuted and convicted under the Pakistan Army Act.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced the judgment in a statement, noting that the Field General Court Martial (FGCM) procedures began on August 12, 2024 and lasted 15 months before the verdict was publicly issued on December 11.
According to ISPR, the former three-star general was tried on four charges: participating in political activities, violating the Official Secrets Act, misusing power and government resources, and inflicting unlawful damage to individuals.
The military’s propaganda wing said that Faiz was “found guilty on all charges after lengthy and laborious legal proceedings” and that the trial met all legal standards. “The accused was afforded all legal rights, including the right to a defence team of his choice,” the document stated. The convict maintains the right to appeal to the relevant venue.
While top officials have been disciplined in the past, no former ISI leader has ever been prosecuted, much less convicted, in a full court martial.