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In a development that has sent shockwaves through Pakistan’s political and military landscape, former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed was sentenced on Thursday to 14 years of rigorous imprisonment under the Pakistan Army Act. The conviction marks one of the rare instances in which a senior military official of such stature has been punished through the army’s internal legal system.
Hameed, who served as ISI director-general from 2019 to 2021, had been under trial since August last year. According to a statement released by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), he was found guilty on multiple charges, including engaging in political activities, violating the Official Secrets Act in ways deemed harmful to national interest, misusing authority and government resources, and causing wrongful loss to individuals.
However, the saga may not end here. The ISPR statement added that Hameed’s alleged involvement in “fomenting vested political agitation and instability in cohorts with political elements and in certain other matters is separately being dealt with,” hinting at further legal trouble ahead.
The unprecedented sentencing triggered a wave of reactions from journalists, politicians, analysts, lawyers, and commentators—many interpreting the decision as a turning point in Pakistan’s civil-military dynamics.
‘Took political engineering to its peak’
Journalist Shahzeb Khanzada, speaking on Geo News, argued that while Pakistan has long grappled with the issue of political engineering, Faiz Hameed “took it to its peak.” He pointed to events such as former prime minister Nawaz Sharif’s disqualification, suggesting that Hameed played an instrumental role in manipulating various institutions.
Khanzada said Hameed’s actions harmed “the country, democracy, media, judiciary, and his own institution,” adding that although several charges were mentioned in the ISPR statement, the legal consequences of his political involvement remain to be seen.
‘A good beginning’
Journalist Mubashir Zaidi described the conviction as a “good beginning” and stressed that there should be absolutely no space for military involvement in politics. He viewed the sentencing as a sign that long-standing concerns about institutional overreach were finally being addressed.
‘Ominous and critical’
For journalist Khurram Husain, the most significant and “ominous” detail lay in the final paragraph of the ISPR press release—the part referencing Hameed’s alleged role in fueling political agitation. According to Husain, the language implies that Hameed’s testimony could potentially be used to build cases against former prime minister Imran Khan, especially regarding accusations of conspiring to incite mutiny within the armed forces.
‘A historic decision’
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari called the sentencing a “historic decision.” Speaking to reporters in Chiniot, he said Hameed was being “held answerable for his crimes,” including alleged political interference and irresponsible acts. Bilawal emphasized that fully implementing this decision would send a strong message that such actions would not be repeated.
‘Just the beginning’
Independent Senator Faisal Vawda also welcomed the decision, calling it “only the beginning.” He thanked Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir for “removing the filth” within the institution. Vawda warned that more accountability was on the way, especially concerning those involved in the May 9 riots.
He cautioned that if the military was willing to hold a former ISI chief accountable, “then do you think the others will stay safe?” He predicted that the process would be lengthy, ultimately extending to politicians, judges, and individuals who once backed Hameed’s alleged political maneuvers.
‘No one should be a sacred cow’
Former Jamaat-i-Islami senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan hailed the conviction and questioned whether similar action would be taken against other high-ranking officials. He insisted that no one—whether a judge, bureaucrat, politician, or general—should be treated as untouchable. He reiterated the need for transparent and public accountability across all institutions.
‘Far-reaching impact on politics’
Veteran journalist Mazhar Abbas said the verdict could have a “far-reaching impact on Pakistan’s politics.” He noted that details of the trial were still awaited and that Hameed likely retained the right to appeal before the Supreme Court.
‘How the mighty fall’
Columnist Nadeem Farooq Paracha commented that Hameed had used his position to build a network of politicians, journalists, and judges. He argued that this network played a crucial role in shaping expectations surrounding the events of May 9, 2023, and Imran Khan’s anticipated political resurgence. “How the mighty fall,” Paracha remarked, noting that the political architecture Hameed built had now collapsed.
‘A positive development’
Leading lawyer Muhammad Ahsan Bhoon welcomed the sentencing as a sign of strengthening accountability. Speaking to Geo News, he said the internal process appeared to follow all legal formalities under the Army Act. He believed that if other institutions adopted similar standards, Pakistan’s justice system would become significantly stronger.
