Rana Sanaullah warns: “Anyone acting on personal agendas could face the same fate”
Lt. Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed has been sentenced to 14 years of rigorous imprisonment after a 15-month-long Field General Court Martial, marking a landmark moment in Pakistan’s civil-military landscape. The verdict was formally announced by the ISPR on December 11, 2025.
What Happened? — The Charges That Led to the Conviction
The ISPR confirms that Faiz Hameed was found guilty on four major charges:
- Engaging in political activities
- Violating the Official Secrets Act
- Misusing authority and state resources
- Causing wrongful loss to individuals
These allegations were investigated under the Pakistan Army Act, with the trial beginning on August 12, 2024.
Where Did the Trial Take Place? — Inside the Military Legal System
The trial was conducted through a Field General Court Martial, monitored by the Inspectorate of Court Proceedings and Records (ICPR).
The ISPR claims that all legal protocols were adhered to, with the accused:
- Provided legal representation of his choice
- Allowed to present evidence and witnesses
- Granted the right to appeal
Why Was He Punished? — The Reasoning Behind the Verdict
The military maintained that the charges were directly connected to:
- Actions that endangered state security
- Interference in political processes
- Misuse of intelligence authority for personal gains
- Administrative violations and resource misappropriation
Officials insist the verdict reinforces the principle that no officer is above institutional discipline.
How Does Politics Connect? — Political Agitation Under Separate Probe
Authorities confirmed that Faiz Hameed’s alleged:
- Political engineering
- Coordination with political actors
- Involvement in agitation campaigns
…are being investigated independently.
These findings may lead to additional actions, separate from the court martial verdict.
Rana Sanaullah’s Reaction — Direct, Aggressive, and Uncompromising
Adviser to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah delivered sharp criticism, asserting:
- Faiz Hameed was punished for his personal political agenda
- Anyone who acted with him or under his influence could face the same consequences
- The PTI long march before Gen Aasim Munir’s appointment may have been “orchestrated” by Hameed
- Institutions protect officers acting under lawful authority — but not those pursuing self-interest
He further alleged that Hameed actively used his influence to shape political outcomes and interfere in internal power transitions.
What This Verdict Really Means
Institutional Discipline or Power Realignment?
Analysts believe the case signals a more assertive approach by the military toward internal accountability. However, critics argue it may also reflect deeper institutional politics, including lingering tensions over the appointment of the Army Chief.
Civil-Military Boundaries in Focus
The verdict raises important questions:
- How deeply had political engineering penetrated institutional ranks?
- Why did these actions remain unchecked for so long?
- What precedent does this set for future accountability?
A Message to Serving Officers?
The sentence reinforces the message that political involvement—whether overt or covert—will not be tolerated, especially in sensitive security institutions.
What Happens Next? — Appeals, Probes, and Political Fallout
Faiz Hameed retains the right to appeal before the relevant higher military or judicial forums.
Meanwhile, political investigations linked to him could:
- Add new charges
- Drag additional individuals into legal scrutiny
- Influence upcoming political narratives and election dynamics
Pakistan’s power landscape may witness major reverberations in the weeks ahead.