Ex-Spy Chief Convicted: The Ties that Bound Him to Politics and Power

Faiz Hamid, former head of Pakistan's ISI, was sentenced to 14 years by a military court for political interference, violating the Official Secrets Act, and misuse of authority. His conviction is linked to his association with jailed ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan, amidst ongoing investigations against Khan and his supporters.

In an unprecedented move, a military court in Pakistan has sentenced ex-spy chief Faiz Hamid to 14 years imprisonment on charges of political interference and misuse of authority. The conviction marks a rare crackdown within the military's own ranks, signaling a significant development in Pakistan's political landscape.

Hamid, who previously led Pakistan's formidable Inter-Services Intelligence agency, was closely allied with former Prime Minister Imran Khan. His trial began in August last year, focusing on allegations of engaging in politics and breaching the Official Secrets Act, which ultimately compromised state security, according to military sources.

While the military's statement remains circumspect about the specific incidents leading to Hamid's conviction, his ties to Khan—jailed since August 2023 and facing terrorism charges—underscore the entangled roles of military and politics in Pakistan. As investigations continue into the unrest caused by Khan's supporters, the military's influence in governance remains a point of contention.

(With inputs from agencies.)