Islamabad, Dec 12 (V7N) — Pakistan has sentenced former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Director General and retired Lieutenant General Faiz Hameed to 14 years of rigorous imprisonment after a military court found him guilty on four separate charges, marking the first time in the country’s history that a former ISI chief has been convicted through a court-martial. The rare development, reported by Dawn, has triggered intense national debate about civil-military dynamics and the scope of accountability within Pakistan’s powerful defense establishment.

According to senior officials familiar with the proceedings, Hameed was tried under the Pakistan Army Act following allegations that included misuse of authority and violations of service discipline during and after his tenure. While the military has not publicly disclosed the complete list of charges, sources indicate that the investigation covered decisions taken during his time as ISI chief and later as commander of the Peshawar Corps before his retirement.

Faiz Hameed, once seen as one of the most influential figures in Pakistan’s security apparatus, held the ISI leadership at a time of significant political turbulence. His tenure overlapped with key political transitions, including periods of strained relations between civilian governments and the military leadership. His name had often appeared in political discussions, especially regarding allegations of interference in governmental affairs—claims the military routinely denied.

The sentencing follows months of internal scrutiny within the armed forces, as Pakistan’s military leadership has increasingly emphasized institutional discipline and accountability. Despite these internal reforms, court-martial proceedings for such a high-ranking former official remain exceedingly rare. Analysts say the ruling may signal a shift within the military hierarchy to demonstrate transparency and firm enforcement of regulations, especially amid growing domestic pressure for institutional reform.

No official statement has been released by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) regarding the specifics of Hameed’s trial, and the detailed charge sheet has not yet been made public. Legal experts say Hameed has the right to appeal through the military justice system, though it remains unclear if he plans to do so.

The case arrives at a time of political uncertainty in Pakistan, with continued tensions among major political parties and ongoing debates about the role of the military in governance. International observers are monitoring the development closely, as the ISI chief has traditionally been one of the most influential security positions in the country, often shaping not only national policy but also Pakistan’s foreign relations.

The unprecedented conviction marks a historic moment for Pakistan’s military accountability framework and may have long-lasting implications for the nation’s security and political environment.

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