ISLAMABAD:
Minister of State for Interior Affairs Talal Chaudhry on Friday said the sentencing of former ISI chief Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed would help curb future political interference, calling the development an unprecedented step in institutional accountability.
He was speaking on Geo News programme Naya Pakistan, hours after the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced that the former spymaster had been handed 14 years of rigorous imprisonment by a military court. The charges included engaging in political activities, violating the Official Secrets Act, misuse of authority, abuse of government resources, and causing wrongful loss to individuals and the state.
Chaudhry said the punishment of such a high-profile military official showed that the institution was willing to hold even its most senior members accountable.
He said: “There will be less interference now. If someone can be punished during service and even after retirement, then anyone thinking of wrongdoing will reconsider. This case will make a significant difference.”
He also alleged that several major decisions during former prime minister Imran Khan’s tenure were shaped by Faiz Hameed’s involvement. “There are chances that multiple decisions before, during and after his government revolved around Faiz’s recommendations,” he claimed, adding that politicians like Faisal Vawda had previously spoken publicly on the matter.
Chaudhry said the ongoing inquiries were being conducted by an institution that had set “a new standard for transparency in Pakistan”, stressing that speculation should be avoided until the investigation reached its conclusion.
He added that Faiz Hameed had “crossed a legal red line” by engaging in political activities, saying that such conduct from officers should come to an end. “Any action against those who break the law and damage Pakistan or its army is the right choice. This will help prevent such violations in the future.”
Hameed was taken into custody in August 2024 after allegations surfaced from the owner of a private housing society, triggering Field General Court Martial proceedings. The case challenged the long-standing perception that spy chiefs were beyond accountability in a country where military leaders have historically wielded extensive influence.
In December 2024, he was formally indicted on three counts related to political interference, anti-espionage violations and abuse of authority, marking the start of his FGCM trial. The ISPR later confirmed that events linked to creating unrest — including those connected to May 9, 2023 — were also part of the ongoing investigation.
