In a landmark ruling that’s sending ripples through Pakistan’s political and military circles, retired Lieutenant General Faiz Hameed—once the shadowy head of the country’s powerful Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI)—has been handed a 14-year sentence of rigorous imprisonment by a military court. The verdict, announced today, caps a grueling 15-month trial that exposed the underbelly of alleged power plays, secret dealings, and political meddling. As one of Pakistan’s most influential spymasters, Hameed’s fall from grace isn’t just a personal downfall; it’s a stark reminder of the army’s iron grip on its own, and a possible signal to others who might blur the lines between uniform and partisanship.
The Rise of a Spymaster: Who Is Faiz Hameed?
Faiz Hameed wasn’t just any general—he was the guy behind the curtain, pulling strings in one of South Asia’s most intrigue-filled intelligence outfits. Born into a military family, Hameed climbed the ranks with a reputation for being tough, tactical, and unapologetically bold. A graduate of the Pakistan Military Academy and the Command & Staff College, he cut his teeth commanding the 16th Infantry Division in Sialkot before landing plum postings that put him at the heart of national security.
His big break came in 2019 when he was appointed Director General of Military Intelligence, and by October that year, he took the helm of the ISI—the agency infamous for its role in everything from the Soviet-Afghan War to countering Indian influence. Under his watch, Hameed became synonymous with Pakistan’s Afghan policy. He was the face (or at least the uniformed one) negotiating with the Taliban in Doha, and when they swept back into Kabul in August 2021, Hameed quipped that it “would work out fine.” Critics, though, saw him as too cozy with militants, and his tenure overlapped with accusations of ISI meddling in domestic politics.
Hameed’s star seemed destined for even higher orbits. In 2022, as Army Chief Qamar Javed Bajwa eyed retirement, whispers had Hameed as a top contender to succeed him. But things soured fast. He retired prematurely in November 2022 amid growing scrutiny, and by August 2024, the military had him in custody, facing a Field General Court Martial (FGCM) under the Pakistan Army Act.
The Charges: A Laundry List of Betrayals
The military didn’t mince words in laying out why Hameed ended up behind bars. The FGCM, after what the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) called “lengthy and laborious legal proceedings,” found him guilty on all four counts. Here’s the breakdown:
| Charge | Description | Potential Implications |
|---|---|---|
| Engaging in Political Activities | Accused of dabbling in partisan politics, a big no-no for serving or retired officers in Pakistan’s military code. | Undermines the army’s apolitical stance; seen as a direct challenge to institutional neutrality. |
| Violation of the Official Secrets Act | Actions deemed harmful to state security and interests, possibly leaking or mishandling sensitive info. | Echoes past ISI scandals; could involve Afghan ops or domestic surveillance gone wrong. |
| Misuse of Authority and Government Resources | Abusing his position and state assets for personal or unauthorized gains. | Ties into broader corruption probes; remember the Top City housing scam where he was implicated? |
| Causing Wrongful Loss to Individuals | Inflicting undue harm on civilians or others through official misconduct. | Details murky, but hints at land grabs or favoritism in schemes like the Defence Housing Authority projects. |
The sentence? 14 years of rigorous imprisonment—hard labor, no less—promulgated effective immediately on December 11, 2025. Hameed was afforded full legal rights, including his choice of defense team, and he retains the option to appeal. The ISPR emphasized that the trial complied with every legal hoop, but skeptics wonder if it’s all above board in a system where the military judges its own.
This isn’t Hameed’s first brush with controversy. Back in 2020, he made headlines with a bizarre midnight raid on a hotel in Islamabad, rounding up the cast of a Pakistani film crew over “indecent” scenes—earning him the nickname “Drama General” from detractors. And then there’s the May 9, 2023, riots following Imran Khan’s arrest, where Hameed’s name surfaced in probes over alleged instigation. The military says that’s a separate matter still under investigation.
The Imran Khan Connection: Politics or Persecution?
You can’t talk about Faiz Hameed without invoking Imran Khan, the cricket-star-turned-premier now languishing in jail on a slew of charges. Hameed was Khan’s go-to guy during his 2018-2022 term, often spotted at the PM’s side like a loyal shadow. Khan himself called Hameed “the most honest general” in leaked audio clips that fueled conspiracy theories about a fallout with the current army brass.
Insiders speculate this sentencing is payback. With Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party still a thorn in the side of the establishment—despite crackdowns—nailing Hameed could be a way to decapitate any lingering pro-Khan networks within the ranks. Security analyst Syed Muhammad Ali noted that the verdict “signals the military leadership’s intent that no officer, regardless of rank, will be allowed to engage in politics.” It’s a message, loud and clear: Cross the line, and even ISI legends aren’t untouchable.
On the flip side, PTI supporters cry foul, labeling it a “witch hunt” to silence dissent. Khan’s allies have long claimed the army orchestrated his ouster in 2022 via a no-confidence vote, with Hameed as the fall guy for backing the wrong horse. Whatever the truth, this ruling drops like a bombshell just as Pakistan grapples with economic woes and border tensions—hardly the time for internal purges.
Social Media Storm: Reactions Pour In
The internet, as always, is ablaze. On X (formerly Twitter), the hashtag #ArmyWithLawAndConstitution is trending in pro-military circles, with users hailing the verdict as a win for accountability. One post from @Cutiee_here reads: “The military justice system operates strictly within the framework of law… Fair trial, solid evidence, and due process—this is how institutional accountability works.” Echoing that, @Osint613 quipped: “Former Pakistani spy chief sentenced to 14 years… marking the first time in Pakistan’s history that a head of its intelligence agency has been court-martialed.”
But PTI die-hards aren’t buying it. Posts from Afghan-Pakistani accounts, like @Mujahid07955440, frame it as the “military regime” crushing a rival: “The Special Court… sentenced… General Faiz Hameed, to 14 years in prison.” Memes are flying—everything from Hameed in orange jumpsuits to comparisons with Hollywood spy thrillers. Views are spiking into the tens of thousands, underscoring how this saga blends high-stakes drama with everyday outrage.
What Happens Next? Broader Ramifications for Pakistan
Hameed’s jailing isn’t happening in a vacuum. Pakistan’s military has long been the real power broker, toppling governments and shaping foreign policy from the shadows. This is the stiffest punishment for a former ISI head ever, a rarity in a country where generals often retire to cushy sinecures. Analysts like those at Dawn suggest it could deter future politicking by brass hats, but it also risks deepening rifts—especially if Khan’s camp spins it into fuel for protests.
Regionally, eyes are on how this affects Pakistan’s Taliban ties or India relations—Hameed was no stranger to those chessboards. Domestically, with inflation biting and elections looming, the army might be flexing to project strength. But as one X user put it, “Convicted on four charges of violating the Official Secrets Act… and causing harm to citizens”—it’s a sobering tally that could either clean house or breed more resentment.
For now, Hameed’s story is a cautionary tale: In the game of spies and soldiers, loyalty has a shelf life, and the house always wins. We’ll be watching for appeals, fallout, and whatever twist comes next in this endless Islamabad intrigue.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What were the main charges against Faiz Hameed?
Faiz Hameed was convicted on four counts by a Field General Court Martial (FGCM): engaging in political activities, violating the Official Secrets Act, misuse of authority and government resources, and causing wrongful loss to individuals. These stem from allegations of political interference and personal misconduct during his tenure as ISI chief and post-retirement.
Why was a military court used for the trial instead of a civilian one?
The trial was conducted under the Pakistan Army Act by an FGCM because Hameed is a retired military officer. Pakistani law allows military courts to handle cases involving serving or former personnel for offenses related to military discipline, secrets, or authority abuse, ensuring internal accountability.
What is the connection between Faiz Hameed and Imran Khan?
Hameed served as ISI chief during Imran Khan’s premiership (2018-2022) and was seen as a close ally. Khan has publicly praised him as “the most honest general” in leaked audio. Critics allege the sentencing is politically motivated to weaken Khan’s PTI party, though the military denies this, framing it as a routine enforcement of rules.
What does ‘rigorous imprisonment with hard labor’ mean in this context?
In Pakistan’s legal system, rigorous imprisonment involves hard labor, such as manual work, alongside incarceration. The 14-year sentence, effective from December 11, 2025, is the maximum for these charges and can be appealed. Hameed retains full legal rights during the process.
What are the potential implications for Pakistan’s military and politics?
This rare conviction of a former ISI head signals the army’s commitment to preventing political involvement by officers, potentially deterring future meddling. However, it has sparked debates on fairness, deepened rifts with PTI supporters, and raised questions about institutional independence amid ongoing political tensions.
