THE recent sentencing of Lieutenant General (R) Faiz Hameed to fourteen years’ rigorous imprisonment marks a pivotal moment in Pakistan’s institutional accountability. This is not merely the punishment of an individual — it is a clear signal that no one, regardless of rank or influence, is above the law. In a country long familiar with debates over selective justice, this verdict underscores the seriousness of internal discipline within state institutions and the military’s determination to uphold professional and constitutional principles.
General Hameed, a former Director General of the ISI and Corps Commander, had wielded significant influence over security and political affairs. His actions often sparked debates over whether senior figures operate beyond legal reach. The recent ruling decisively challenges that perception, demonstrating that institutional principles outweigh personal power and that accountability is non-negotiable, even at the highest echelons.
The Army’s internal justice system, including courts-martial and inquiries under the Army Act, has historically maintained discipline. Critics have argued that accountability disproportionately targets lower ranks, but this verdict disrupts that narrative. It reflects a commitment to principled accountability at the highest levels, under the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, who has emphasized constitutional discipline, professional integrity and the primacy of institutional values over individual ambitions. Historically, Pakistan’s military has enforced accountability for senior officers. The Rawalpindi Conspiracy Case of 1951 prosecuted officers attempting a coup, reinforcing civilian supremacy. In subsequent decades, officers faced court-martials for corruption or misconduct. In 2015, internal reforms under General Raheel Sharif addressed corruption and mismanagement among senior ranks, sending a powerful message about transparency and responsibility within the institution.
Accountability extends beyond the Army. Admiral Mansur-ul-Haq, former Chief of Naval Staff, faced financial irregularities in the 1990s and returned substantial funds to the treasury. In the Air Force, Air Marshal (R) Javed Saeed was court-martialed for unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information. These cases demonstrate that all three services — Army, Navy and Air Force — enforce discipline and integrity, ensuring that professional and ethical standards are maintained across the military.
While the military has shown internal accountability, civilian institutions must mirror this commitment. Public confidence falters when influential figures evade justice. The army’s example sets a benchmark: if senior officers can be held accountable, civilian bodies must ensure impartiality, transparency and consistency, fostering trust in governance. Pakistan faces political, economic and security challenges. Stability depends not only on operational capacity but on institutional integrity and the consistent application of the law. The military’s actions reinforce legitimacy, but national resilience requires all institutions to uphold the rule of law without fear or favour.
The sentencing of General Hameed is more than punitive; it reaffirms that the law applies to everyone. Field Marshal Munir’s leadership emphasizes institutional norms over individual ambitions. If civilian institutions adopt similar standards, Pakistan may enter a phase where institutions, not personalities, shape national progress. Accountability rebuilds trust, strengthens constitutionalism and underscores that no rank or office stands above the law, creating a stronger, more transparent state framework for the future.
In essence, the army has demonstrated that even its most senior officers are not immune. Now, the responsibility lies with civilian institutions to uphold comparable standards, ensuring Pakistan’s journey toward a transparent, equitable and stable state continues. The General Hameed case will be remembered as a defining moment in Pakistan’s ongoing pursuit of justice and institutional integrity.
—The writer is a Supreme Court lawyer and former member & Chairman Standing Committee of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Council. Islamabad
