Former ISI chief Lt Gen Faiz Hameed (retd) has been sentenced to 14 years of rigorous imprisonment by a Field General Court Martial (FGCM), Pakistan’s military media wing ISPR confirmed on Thursday. The verdict marks the culmination of a 15-month-long trial initiated on August 12, 2024, under the Pakistan Army Act.
According to ISPR, Hameed faced four major charges — engaging in political activities, violating the Official Secrets Act in a manner harmful to national security, misuse of authority and state resources, and causing wrongful loss to individuals. After what the military described as “lengthy and laborious legal proceedings,” the court found him guilty on all counts. The sentence was formally promulgated on December 11, 2025.
ISPR emphasized that the FGCM followed all legal procedures and that the accused was provided complete legal rights, including the right to a defence team of his choosing. Hameed also retains the right to appeal the verdict at the relevant forum.
Top City Case & Earlier Proceedings
Hameed was taken into military custody on August 13, 2024, in connection with the Top City land case. The Supreme Court had earlier ordered a detailed inquiry into allegations of land grabbing and unlawful seizure of valuables from the owner of a private housing society. Following the inquiry, disciplinary action was initiated under the Pakistan Army Act.
ISPR also noted that Hameed’s involvement in “fomenting vested political agitation and instability” in collaboration with political elements is being addressed separately.
Background
Lt Gen Faiz Hameed, who opted for premature retirement in December 2022, previously headed the ISI between 2019 and 2021. He gained international attention after being filmed at a Kabul hotel soon after the Taliban takeover in 2021. Before retiring, he commanded the Bahawalpur and Peshawar corps. His name had also appeared on the list of candidates considered for Pakistan’s army chief position in 2022.
Hameed has remained a controversial figure in Pakistan’s political and military circles, often accused by rival parties of influencing domestic politics and supporting Imran Khan’s former government.
