Former spymaster appeals his court martial
ISLAMABAD: An appeal has been filed against the conviction of former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief Faiz Hameed by a military court, his lawyer said on Monday.
“Yes, we have filed an appeal against his sentencing,” Mian Ali Ashfaq told Dawn, without sharing any further details.
The former spymaster was sentenced to 14 years of rigorous imprisonment by a military court on Dec 11 after being convicted on four counts related to violating secrecy laws, engaging in political activities, misusing authority, and causing harm to others.
He had a 40-day window following his conviction and sentencing to appeal the Field General Court Martial (FGCM) decision, according to Section 133B of the Pakistan Army Act.
The appeal is first reviewed by a Court of Appeals, led by a major general or higher, as designated by the army chief. The chief then has the authority to confirm, revise, or overturn the sentence.
Historically, the military’s appellate process has stretched over several years.
Hameed’s sentencing
Announcing Hameed’s conviction and sentencing on Dec 11, the military’s media wing said in a statement that FGCM proceedings against him were initiated on Aug 12, 2024, under provisions of the Pakistan Army Act, and spanned over 15 months.
“After lengthy and laborious legal proceedings, the accused has been found guilty on all charges and sentenced to 14 years of rigorous imprisonment,” the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.
The ISPR further stated that the “involvement of the convict [Hameed] in fomenting vested political agitation and instability in cohorts with political elements, and in certain other matters, is separately being dealt with”.
Hameed was referred to in the statement as “Mr Faiz Hameed, formerly a lieutenant general”, creating the impression that he might have been stripped of his rank, although the ISPR did not explicitly confirm this.
A source familiar with internal procedures told Dawn at the time that any such withdrawal “is done through an administrative order” as per established rules, but declined to confirm whether it had occurred in this case.
Background
Hameed, who retired in November 2022, is the first former ISI director general and only the second three-star general in Pakistan’s history to face a full military trial and receive a jail sentence.
The case against him originated from accusations by property developer Kanwar Moeez Khan, who alleged in 2017 that Hameed — then a major general in the ISI — and two other officers orchestrated a raid on his home and offices, seized valuables, and coerced him into paying Rs40 million and financing a private television channel.
The matter resurfaced in 2023 when the Supreme Court advised the complainant to seek remedies through the defence ministry, leading to a formal military inquiry.
A Court of Inquiry convened in April 2024 found grounds to proceed, leading to Hameed’s arrest on Aug 12 of that year.
Published in Dawn, December 30th, 2025