Pakistan Jails Ex-ISI Chief Faiz Hamid

A military court sentenced former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief Faiz Hamid to 14 years in prison on charges including political interference, misuse of authority, and violations of the Official Secrets Act. Hamid, who led the ISI from 2019 to 2021 under former Prime Minister Imran Khan, has been in custody since August 2024. His conviction is a rare public rebuke of a high-ranking general in a country where the military historically wields significant political power.

WHY IT MATTERS

The ruling underscores the military’s authority over Pakistan’s political landscape and sends a strong signal against officers interfering in politics. It may also affect Imran Khan’s political influence, given Hamid’s close ties to the former prime minister, and highlights the ongoing tension between civilian political actors and the military establishment.

• Faiz Hamid – former ISI chief, convicted on four charges.
• Pakistan military and courts – enforcing discipline and maintaining authority.
• Imran Khan and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) – politically connected, facing ongoing legal and political challenges.
• Anti-terrorism authorities – investigating related May 2023 attacks on military installations.
• Pakistani public and political observers – monitoring civil-military dynamics.

WHAT’S NEXT

Hamid has the right of appeal, so legal proceedings will continue. Investigations into Khan and hundreds of his supporters over the May 2023 attacks are ongoing. The case may reshape civil-military relations and influence how the military and political parties interact in future elections and governance.

With information from Reuters.