Pakistan's Former Spy Chief Faiz Hameed Faces 14-Year Prison Term for State Secrets Breach

Pakistan's former spy chief, Faiz Hameed, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison by a military court on charges including violation of state secrets and interfering in politics. This marks the first time an ISI chief in Pakistan has been court-martialed. Hameed led the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agency from 2019 to 2021, during the tenure of now-jailed former prime minister Imran Khan. According to a press release issued by the public relations arm of the Pakistani military (ISPR), the 15-month-long court martial proceeding began on August 12, 2024, under the Pakistan Army Act. Hameed was tried on four charges, including involvement in political activities, violation of the Official Secrets Act, misuse of his powers, and government resources. His lawyer has announced plans to appeal against the verdict. The immediate impact of this sentence is being felt across Pakistan, with many questioning the implications for the country's fragile democracy. The ISI chief is seen as the second most powerful position in Pakistan's military, and his conviction raises concerns about the military's role in politics. The Pakistani government has yet to comment on the sentence. In the context of Pakistan's history, this development is significant. The country has a complex relationship between its military and civilian governments, with the military often exerting significant influence over politics. The conviction of Faiz Hameed marks a rare instance of the military holding one of its own accountable. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how Faiz Hameed's appeal will proceed and what the outcome will be. The case is being closely watched by observers both within and outside Pakistan, who are eager to understand the implications for the country's future.