Pakistan’s Former Spy Chief Sentenced After Court‑Martial

Lt. Gen. Faiz Hameed, a close ally of ex‑Prime Minister Imran Khan, receives a prison term

The military tribunal in Rawalpindi handed former Inter‑Services Intelligence (ISI) chief Lt. Gen. Faiz Hameed a three‑year prison sentence on Thursday, marking the most high‑profile court‑martial verdict in Pakistan’s recent history.

Hameed, who served as the head of the ISI from 2021 to 2022, was widely regarded as a key supporter of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. His tenure at the agency coincided with a period of heightened political tension, and he was often mentioned in media reports as a behind‑the‑scenes influencer in the government’s security decisions.

Charges and Proceedings

The court‑martial charged Hameed with abuse of authority, dereliction of duty, and leaking classified information to political figures. Prosecutors presented evidence that the former spy chief had allegedly facilitated the transfer of sensitive intelligence reports to members of Khan’s inner circle, compromising national security.

During the hearing, the defence argued that the accusations were politically motivated, claiming that Hameed was being scapegoated for the broader rift between the civilian government and the military establishment. Despite these claims, the tribunal found the evidence “sufficient and convincing,” and ruled in favor of the prosecution.

Reactions

In a statement released after the verdict, the Ministry of Defence described the sentencing as “a necessary step to uphold the rule of law within the armed forces.” Meanwhile, Imran Khan’s political party issued a brief response, labeling the decision “unjust” and vowing to appeal the judgment.

Human‑rights observers expressed concern over the transparency of the court‑martial process, urging the authorities to ensure that the defendant’s rights were fully respected throughout the trial.

Implications for Pakistan’s Security Landscape

The sentencing of a former ISI chief signals a potentially shifting balance of power between Pakistan’s military and civilian leadership. Analysts suggest that the case could set a precedent for how future allegations of political interference by security agencies are handled.

As the appeal process begins, both domestic and international stakeholders will be watching closely to see whether the verdict stands or is overturned, and what this means for the country’s ongoing struggle to maintain a clear separation between intelligence operations and political agendas.