The Faiz Hamid conviction has become one of the most significant legal developments involving a former senior military official in Pakistan’s recent history. Lt Gen (R) Faiz Hamid, the former Director General of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), was sentenced to 14 years in prison after being tried and convicted on multiple serious charges, including political involvement, misuse of authority, and violations of the Official Secrets Act.
According to informed sources, one of the major elements of the Faiz Hamid conviction relates to his alleged possession of classified official documents after retirement. These documents, the source said, were not authorized to be retained by him once he left service. While authorities have not disclosed the specific nature of the documents, the charge was treated as a grave breach of national security protocols.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed that the former spymaster was convicted on four counts: engaging in political activities, violating the Official Secrets Act in a manner harmful to state security, misuse of authority and government resources, and causing wrongful loss to individuals. Together, these charges formed the legal basis of the Faiz Hamid conviction, following a lengthy trial process.
One key aspect of the case involved Faiz Hamid’s political interactions after retirement. Under amendments made to the Pakistan Army Act in 2023, officers who have served in sensitive positions are prohibited from engaging in any political activity for five years after retirement. Despite this restriction, reports indicated that Faiz Hamid remained in contact with nearly 50 politicians, most of whom were affiliated with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
Sources revealed that Faiz Hamid was warned more than once about his post-retirement conduct. However, he allegedly continued political engagements, which were later scrutinized during the inquiry that led to his trial. This political involvement became a central pillar of the Faiz Hamid conviction, as authorities viewed it as a clear violation of military discipline and legal boundaries.
Another major charge stemmed from the widely reported Top City housing society case. According to court documents and media reports, Faiz Hamid was accused of misusing his position to extort money and valuables from the private housing project. The case originated from a petition filed before the Supreme Court by the housing society’s chief executive officer.
The petition alleged that in May 2017, Rangers and ISI officials raided the Top City offices and the residence of its owner under the pretext of a terrorism investigation. During the raid, valuables including gold, diamonds, and cash were reportedly seized. The petitioner claimed that after he was acquitted in the terrorism case by an anti-terrorism court, efforts were made to extract further financial concessions from him.
According to the petition, Faiz Hamid allegedly communicated through intermediaries and demanded cash payments and other benefits. These allegations later became part of the trial record and contributed significantly to the Faiz Hamid conviction. Although the Supreme Court advised the petitioner to approach relevant forums, the matter was eventually examined through military legal channels.
In addition to the Top City case, another charge involved causing wrongful loss to a former employee of a different housing society. While fewer details of this allegation were made public, it was included among the counts on which Faiz Hamid was convicted.
The trial itself was conducted over a period of more than 15 months under the Field General Court Martial (FGCM), a fact highlighted by officials to counter claims of a rushed or politically motivated verdict. Authorities have emphasized that the Faiz Hamid conviction followed due legal process and was based on documented evidence and witness testimony.
The case has triggered widespread debate in political and legal circles, with analysts describing it as a landmark moment for accountability. It has also reinforced the message that post-retirement conduct of senior officials, especially those from sensitive institutions, remains subject to strict legal oversight.
As Pakistan continues to grapple with issues of civil-military balance and rule of law, the Faiz Hamid conviction is likely to remain a reference point in discussions on institutional accountability and national security for years to come.
