AWALPINDI: Former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) director general Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hamid has been handed a 14-year rigorous imprisonment sentence after a Field General Court Martial (FGCM) found him guilty of multiple offences, including political interference and violations of the Official Secrets Act, the military’s media wing announced on Thursday.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the court martial process began on August 12, 2024, under the Pakistan Army Act and concluded after more than 15 months of proceedings. Hamid, the first former ISI chief to be tried and convicted in such a manner, faced four charges: engaging in political activities, misuse of authority and state resources, violating secrecy laws, and causing wrongful loss to individuals.
The FGCM ruled that Hamid was afforded full legal rights, including defence counsel of his choice. The sentence was formally promulgated on December 11, 2025, and the retired general retains the right to appeal.
Political Agitation Allegations Addressed Separately
ISPR added that Hamid’s alleged role in fuelling political agitation and working in coordination with political groups is being dealt with in a separate process. These accusations had surfaced repeatedly during his service and after retirement, especially concerning his suspected involvement in political engineering.
Arrest Linked to Top City Housing Case
Hamid was detained by military authorities in August 2024 following complaints tied to the Top City housing scheme. The CEO of the society had accused him of land grabbing and seizing valuables during a raid. A detailed inquiry—carried out on Supreme Court orders—led the Army to initiate the court martial.
According to ISPR, multiple violations of the Army Act were established, including misconduct committed after his retirement. Three other retired officers were also arrested in connection with the same case.
A Controversial Career and Expanding Influence
Hamid’s influence in national politics and security overshadowed much of his military career. He gained prominence after mediating the 2017 Faizabad sit-in, where an agreement between the government and Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) bore his signature as a guarantor.
Promoted to lieutenant general in 2018, he was appointed ISI chief in 2019 by then prime minister Imran Khan and remained in the role for over two years—during which allegations of political interference grew. Critics, including former premier Nawaz Sharif, accused him of manipulating political processes, influencing detentions, and steering parliamentary decisions in favour of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government.
His unannounced 2021 visit to Kabul, shortly after the Taliban takeover, also drew public scrutiny when a widely circulated photo showed him casually drinking tea at a hotel.
Hamid also faced allegations from former IHC judge Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui, who claimed the ex-spymaster attempted to influence court proceedings and bench formations—claims that sparked controversy but were never formally tried in court until now.
