Pakistan's former spy chief has been sentenced to 14 years in prison by a military court, on charges including violation of state secrets and interfering in politics.
Faiz Hameed led Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agency from 2019 to 2021, during the tenure of now-jailed former prime minister Imran Khan.
He was known to be a staunch supporter of Khan and took early retirement shortly after Khan was ousted in a no-confidence vote in 2022.
This represents the first time that an ISI chief in Pakistan has been court martialled. His lawyer has indicated plans to appeal against the verdict.
The ISI chief is considered the second most powerful position in Pakistan's military.
According to a press release from the public relations arm of the Pakistani military (ISPR), the court martial proceedings, which lasted 15 months, began on August 12, 2024, under the Pakistan Army Act.
Hameed faced charges including involvement in political activities, violation of the Official Secrets Act, misuse of his powers and government resources, and causing harm to citizens.
Details of the case remain private as hearings were conducted behind closed doors.
The ISPR asserted that Hameed had the right to a defense team of his choosing, and he can appeal the decision in the appropriate court, which is the Supreme Court of Pakistan.
Hameed's alleged involvement in inciting political unrest is being addressed separately, tied to protests against the arrest of Imran Khan on May 9, 2023.
His lawyer, Mian Ali Ashfaq, expressed that Hameed is 1,000% innocent and that they will seek to appeal the decision as soon as they acquire the judgment details.
