Who is Faiz Hameed? Former ISI boss handed 14-year prison term by Pakistani military court; he’s convicted of…

In a first, a Pakistani military court has convicted a former chief of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI)– the country’s powerful spy agency– on several charges under the Pakistan Army Act.

Who is ex-ISI boss Faiz Hameed?

Faiz Hameed, who formerly had the rank of Lieutenant General (Lt Gen) in the Pakistan Army, served as the Director General of Pakistan’s notorious spy agency, the ISI, from 2019 to 2021. Hameed last served as Commander of the XXXI Corps before taking premature retirement on December 10, 2022.

As per a statement by the Pakistan Army, the process of Field General Court Martial was initiated against Faiz Hameed on August 12, 2024, under provisions of the Pakistan Army Act.

What are the charges against Hameed?

According to the army, Faiz Hameed was tried on four charges related to engaging in political activities, violation of the Official Secrets Act detrimental to the safety and interests of the State, misuse of authority & government resources, and causing wrongful loss to persons.

“After lengthy and laborious legal proceedings, the accused has been found guilty on all charges and sentenced to 14 years rigorous imprisonment by the Court, which has been promulgated on 11 December 2025,” it said, adding that the Field General Court Martial complied with all legal provisions and that the accused was “afforded with all legal rights, including (the) rights of (a) defence team of his choice.”

“Involvement of the convict in fomenting vested political agitation and instability in cohorts with political elements and in certain other matters is separately being dealt with,” the army said.

Hameed has the right of appeal at a relevant forum after conviction, it added.

Notably, Hameed’s sentencing marks the first occasion when a former boss of the ISI has been convicted.