Why was Pakistan's former ISI chief Faiz Hameed sentenced to 14 years?

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Why was Pakistan's former ISI chief Faiz Hameed sentenced to 14 years?

Synopsis

In a surprising turn of events, Pakistan's former ISI chief Faiz Hameed has been sentenced to 14 years in prison. Found guilty of multiple charges by a military court, this verdict raises questions about the integrity of military leadership. Stay tuned as we unravel the details surrounding this significant judicial outcome.

Key Takeaways

  • Faiz Hameed sentenced to 14 years
  • Convicted by military court
  • Charges include breaching Official Secrets Act
  • Right to appeal available
  • Significant implications for military accountability

Islamabad, Dec 11 (NationPress) The former chief of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Faiz Hameed, has received a sentence of 14 years of rigorous imprisonment after being convicted on several counts by a military tribunal, as announced by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Thursday, according to local media reports.

The Field General Court Martial found Hameed guilty on multiple charges, marking a significant turn in his career as he was previously the director general of ISI. As per a press release from ISPR, the court martial proceedings commenced on August 12, 2024, under the Pakistan Army Act and unfolded over a duration of 15 months, as reported by The Express Tribune.

Hameed faced four primary accusations, which included engaging in political activities; violating the Official Secrets Act in ways deemed harmful to the state's safety; abusing authority and government resources; and causing harm to individuals.

The military tribunal found him guilty on all charges after what the ISPR described as “lengthy and laborious legal proceedings.” The sentence was enacted on December 11.

According to the statement, “The Field General Court Martial adhered to all legal stipulations. The accused was provided with all legal entitlements, including the right to choose his defense team,” further noting that the convicted individual has the option to appeal to the appropriate forum.

ISPR also mentioned that Hameed's “involvement in inciting political unrest and instability in collaboration with political entities and various other issues” is being treated separately.

The official statement outlined charges against him related to reported violations of military discipline, misuse of official power, and actions considered detrimental to the state's interests. However, details regarding the separate matters cited by ISPR were not disclosed.

It is important to highlight that Hameed is a retired three-star General of the Pakistan Army’s Baloch Regiment and served as the Director General of ISI from 2019 to 2021. Additionally, he has held command over the Peshawar and Bahawalpur corps and has held various operational and intelligence leadership roles throughout his three decades in the military.

Point of View

It is important to recognize the significance of this ruling against Faiz Hameed. The conviction of a high-ranking military official like Hameed reflects the ongoing efforts to uphold accountability within Pakistan's armed forces. It underscores the necessity for transparency and adherence to legal frameworks, reinforcing the idea that no individual, regardless of their rank, is above the law.
NationPress
12/12/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What charges was Faiz Hameed convicted of?
Faiz Hameed was convicted on multiple charges, including involvement in political activities, breaching the Official Secrets Act, misuse of authority and government resources, and causing harm to individuals.
How long is Faiz Hameed's sentence?
Faiz Hameed has been sentenced to 14 years of rigorous imprisonment.
What is the significance of this ruling?
This ruling is significant as it demonstrates the accountability of high-ranking military officials within Pakistan, reinforcing the legal frameworks in place.
Can Faiz Hameed appeal his sentence?
Yes, Faiz Hameed has the right to appeal his sentence before the relevant forum.
What is the background of Faiz Hameed?
Faiz Hameed is a retired three-star General of the Pakistan Army and served as the Director General of ISI from 2019 to 2021, with a military career spanning over 30 years.
Nation Press