In a significant legal move, Pakistan's former top intelligence official, Faiz Hameed, has formally challenged his conviction and 14-year prison sentence handed down by a military court. The ex-chief of the powerful Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) is contesting the verdict that found him guilty on multiple serious charges.
Grounds of Conviction and Legal Challenge
The Field General Court Martial (FGCM) convicted Hameed on December 11 on four specific counts. These included engaging in political activities, violating the Official Secrets Act, misusing his authority and government resources, and causing wrongful loss to individuals. His lawyer, Mian Ali Ashfaq, confirmed to The Express Tribune that an appeal was filed two days ago, within the stipulated 40-day window provided under Section 133-B of the Pakistan Army Act.
Ashfaq stated, "The appeal has already been filed," but did not disclose the specific legal grounds on which the challenge is based. A separate application has been submitted to the registrar of the Court of Appeal at the General Headquarters of the Pakistan Army, seeking a copy of the military court's detailed written decision to aid in the appeal process.
The Appeal Process and Allegations Behind the Case
The appeal will be heard by a military Court of Appeals, which will be headed by a major general or another senior officer nominated by the army chief. This appellate body holds the power to uphold, modify, or completely set aside the 14-year sentence. Currently, Hameed is detained at the Special Prison in Rawalpindi and has not been transferred to the more commonly known Adiala Jail.
The case against Hameed originates from a 2017 complaint filed by a property developer. The developer alleged that Hameed, who was then serving as a major general in the ISI, along with two other officers, conducted raids on his residence and business premises. They allegedly confiscated valuables and coerced him into paying a sum of Rs 40 million. The complaint also accused Hameed of funding a private television channel.
Case Timeline and Historic Precedent
The matter gained fresh momentum in 2023 when the Supreme Court of Pakistan directed the complainant to approach the defence ministry. Following this, the ministry instituted a Court of Inquiry in April 2024 to probe the allegations thoroughly. This investigation led to Hameed's arrest on August 12, 2024.
The FGCM proceedings began on the day of his arrest and continued for approximately 15 months before culminating in the guilty verdict. Faiz Hameed, who retired from military service in November 2022, has become a historic figure in Pakistan's judicial-military landscape. He is the first former director general of the ISI to be tried by a military court and convicted, marking an unprecedented event in the country's history.
The outcome of his appeal is now keenly awaited, as it will set a major precedent for accountability within Pakistan's powerful military and intelligence establishment.
