PTBP Web Desk
Military court sentences retired Lt Gen Faiz Hameed to 14 years after a 15-month trial. The case involved political activity, secrecy violations and misuse of authority.
A Field General Court Martial (FGCM) has sentenced Lieutenant General (retd) Faiz Hameed to 14 years of rigorous imprisonment, marking one of the most consequential military trials conducted under the Pakistan Army Act. The verdict, which was finalised on 11 December 2025, follows a 15-month legal process initiated in August 2024, according to an official announcement by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The case has drawn nationwide and international attention due to Hameed’s prominent role in Pakistan’s security structure, his political controversies, and his tenure as the former chief of Pakistan’s premier intelligence agency.
15-Month Court Martial Process Initiated in 2024
According to the ISPR, proceedings began on 12 August 2024, when a formal Field General Court Martial inquiry was launched against Hameed under the Pakistan Army Act. The retired general faced four major charges, each carrying serious implications for national security and military discipline.
These charges included:
- Engaging in political activities in violation of service rules
- Violating the Official Secrets Act, allegedly harming the safety and interests of the State
- Misusing authority and government resources
- Causing wrongful loss to individuals through abuse of power
The ISPR described the proceedings as “lengthy and laborious,” emphasizing that the FGCM ensured full compliance with legal protocols throughout the trial.
For background on military trials under Pakistani law, readers may consult the Pakistan Army Act via the Ministry of Law (external link).
ISPR: Legal Rights, Defence Counsel, and Appeal Options Granted
In its detailed press release, the military’s media wing stressed that Faiz Hameed was granted all legal rights, including the choice of a defence team. The statement highlighted that the sentence was imposed after evaluating extensive evidence and that the retired general retains the right to appeal before the appropriate military appellate forum.
The ISPR further noted that separate proceedings are underway concerning his alleged involvement in “fomenting vested political agitation and instability” in coordination with political actors. These matters, according to the military, are being reviewed independently from the FGCM conviction.
For updates on institutional announcements, readers can refer to the ISPR official website (internal/external link depending on your site structure).
August 2024 Arrest Connected to Top City Case
Faiz Hameed’s arrest took place on 13 August 2024, one day after the FGCM process formally began. He was detained on allegations of land grabbing and illegally seizing valuables from the owner of a private housing society known as Top City.
Earlier reports indicated that the Supreme Court had directed the Pakistan Army to conduct a detailed court of inquiry into the Top City case. Following the inquiry, the Army recommended disciplinary action under the Pakistan Army Act, which ultimately led to the court martial proceedings.
Further internal reference: See your platform’s dedicated section on judicial and military accountability cases (internal link).
A Controversial Figure in Pakistan’s Political and Military Landscape
Lt Gen Faiz Hameed (retd) has remained a polarising figure in Pakistan’s civil–military debates for several years. He took premature retirement in December 2022, but his influence and name continued to surface in political discussions.
Some key highlights of his career include:
- Inclusion among the six shortlisted candidates for Pakistan’s army chief in 2022
- Serving as Director General of the ISI from 2019 to 2021
- Commanding the Bahawalpur and Peshawar Corps during his final military years
His tenure as ISI chief drew global attention in 2021, when he was filmed at a Kabul hotel shortly after the Taliban takeover, a moment that made headlines across international media outlets. The image became symbolic during analyses of Pakistan’s role in Afghanistan following the withdrawal of U.S. and NATO forces.
Charges of Political Influence and Accusations from Opponents
Political parties, particularly those in opposition at the time, have frequently accused Faiz Hameed of influencing political processes and extending support to the government of former prime minister Imran Khan. Some parties also alleged that he played a role in victimising political opponents, a claim he consistently denied.
While the FGCM conviction does not specifically address these political allegations, the ISPR’s mention of “political agitation” suggests that investigators are reviewing wider aspects of his role in national politics, possibly including interactions with party leaders and involvement in policy decisions during his service years.
For analysis of civil–military relations in Pakistan, readers may visit your site’s politics section (internal link).
Court Martial Verdict: A First in Pakistan’s Military History?
The sentencing of a retired three-star general to rigorous imprisonment marks an unusually rare occurrence in Pakistan’s military justice system. Analysts view the verdict as a strong signal that the institution is reinforcing internal accountability mechanisms.
Legal experts argue that the case could set a precedent for holding senior retired officers answerable under military law, especially in matters involving secrecy violations, political engagement, and misuse of official authority.
