The sentencing of former ISI chief Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed to 14 years imprisonment marks an unprecedented moment in Pakistan’s civil-military landscape. The charges — political interference, corruption, and misuse of authority — strike at the core of issues that have long shaped governance and power dynamics in the country. For many observers, the verdict represents not only accountability for one individual but the beginning of a long-overdue correction in Pakistan’s institutional culture.
For decades, political meddling by spymasters has been treated as a routine matter in Pakistan. Intelligence officers influencing elections, engineering alliances, and manipulating political outcomes became an unspoken norm rather than an exception. This interference often created instability, weakened political institutions, and fostered a sense of impunity within sections of the security establishment. The decision to sentence a former top intelligence chief — once considered untouchable — sends a clear signal that such practices can no longer continue unchecked.
The case against Faiz Hameed went far beyond administrative lapses. It highlighted the structural problems that arise when powerful institutions step outside their constitutional mandate. For years, discussions in political and journalistic circles hinted at coercive measures used by certain agency officials to pressure politicians, businesspersons, and even media houses. The verdict is therefore not just about one officer; it is a warning to the system that misuse of authority can no longer be swept under the carpet.
Those who see this as a “good start” argue that accountability should not stop here. If Pakistan is to move toward genuine democratic stability, then the process must continue across all ranks, past and present. The principle must be simple: power without oversight breeds corruption, and no institution can be allowed to police itself without transparency. The sentence thus becomes a clarion call for officers currently serving in sensitive positions — a reminder that actions taken today may be scrutinized tomorrow.
Credit must be given to Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, whose leadership has been widely noted for emphasizing professionalism and distancing the institution from political engineering. The decision to bring a former ISI chief before a military court reflects a significant shift in institutional priorities. It suggests a willingness at the highest level to break with past traditions and enforce discipline at all tiers. Strengthening the military’s credibility requires rooting out internal corruption and preventing political pursuits that distract from national security missions — and this verdict moves the institution in that direction.
If pursued consistently, this moment could pave the way for a healthier civil-military balance in Pakistan. When institutions operate within their constitutional frameworks, political processes become more stable, citizens gain trust in governance, and corruption finds less space to thrive. The sentencing of Faiz Hameed, therefore, is not merely punitive; it is symbolic of a potential new era where accountability is applied uniformly — and where political engineering, coercion, and abuse of authority finally meet institutional resistance.
The hope now is that the momentum continues — that the Army remains committed to a political-free and corruption-free internal environment and that other institutions follow suit. If Pakistan can sustain this path, the verdict against the former ISI chief may be remembered as a genuine turning point in its democratic and institutional evolution.
