ISLAMABAD (MNN): The lawyer of former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed has confirmed that an appeal has been filed against the 14-year rigorous imprisonment sentence awarded to him by a military court.
Speaking to journalists on Monday, Hameed’s counsel, Mian Ali Ashfaq, said that the appeal had been submitted but declined to share further details.
Faiz Hameed was sentenced on December 11 by a Field General Court Martial after being convicted on four charges, including violations of secrecy laws, involvement in political activities, misuse of authority and causing harm to individuals. Under Section 133B of the Pakistan Army Act, he had 40 days to challenge the verdict.
As per procedure, the appeal will first be examined by a Court of Appeals headed by a major general or a higher-ranking officer appointed by the army chief, who will then have the authority to uphold, amend or set aside the sentence. Historically, such appellate proceedings in military cases can take several years.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), while announcing the verdict earlier this month, stated that the court martial proceedings were initiated on August 12, 2024, and lasted more than 15 months. ISPR added that Hameed was found guilty on all counts after extensive legal proceedings.
The military’s media wing also said that Hameed’s alleged role in fueling political unrest in coordination with political elements was being dealt with separately. In its statement, ISPR referred to him as “Mr Faiz Hameed, formerly a lieutenant general,” suggesting he may have been stripped of his rank, though no formal confirmation was issued.
Faiz 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 be tried by a military court and sentenced to imprisonment.
The case stemmed from allegations made by property developer Kanwar Moeez Khan, who accused Hameed of orchestrating a raid on his residence and offices in 2017, seizing valuables and coercing him into paying Rs40 million and financing a private TV channel. The issue resurfaced in 2023 following Supreme Court directions, leading to a military inquiry.
A Court of Inquiry formed in April 2024 recommended further action, resulting in Hameed’s arrest on August 12. He was later served a detailed charge sheet covering post-retirement political activities, violations of the Official Secrets Act, abuse of authority and coercive actions causing financial loss. The probe was later expanded to include several other retired officers.
