Pakistan’s former spy chief, Faiz Hameed, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison by a military court for charges including violation of state secrets and political interference. Hameed, who led the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) from 2019 to 2021 during the tenure of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, was known for his close ties to Khan and took early retirement following Khan’s ouster in 2022.
This marks the first time an ISI chief in Pakistan has faced a court martial. The military court proceedings, held behind closed doors, lasted 15 months and were conducted under the Pakistan Army Act. Hameed faced four charges: involvement in political activities, misuse of official powers and resources, violations of the Official Secrets Act harming the state, and actions that harmed citizens.
According to the ISPR, Hameed had the right to a defence team of his choice and may appeal the decision in the Supreme Court of Pakistan. Alleged involvement in political agitation, including protests after Khan’s arrest in May 2023, is being addressed separately. Hameed’s lawyer, Mian Ali Ashfaq, called him “1,000% innocent” and said he will immediately seek appeal through the relevant forum.
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