THE Field General Court Martial (FGCM) has sentenced former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Director General Faiz Hameed to 14 years rigorous imprisonment. According to a statement of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the accused was tried on four charges related to engaging in political activities, violation of Official Secrets Act detrimental to safety and interest of the State, misuse of authority and government resources as well as causing wrongful loss to persons. It said after lengthy and laborious legal proceedings, the accused has been found guilty on all charges.
This is, perhaps, for the first time that a senior ex-serviceman and influential figure has been awarded an exemplary punishment that is likely to serve as deterrence against misuse of authority, violation of law and wrong doings. It was widely believed that General Faiz frequently indulged in political activities, manipulated governmental policies and engineered political unrest through long marches and sit-ins. The proceedings of the FGCM proved the veracity of these allegations and the accused was brought to book. The ISPR statement also hints at the possibility of broadening of the investigations and initiation of more trials based on what transpired during the court martial. It said the involvement of the convict in fomenting vested political agitation and instability in cahoots with political elements and in certain other matters is separately being dealt with. The latest development has widely been hailed by political leaders and opinion-makers describing it as a move towards establishment of rule of law. Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar said the ruling demonstrated that the military’s system of self-accountability remained “extremely strong,” noting that Hameed had acted as a political adviser to the PTI and crossed red lines that warranted legal action. Tarar said Hameed had misused his authority and was found guilty on all charges, including in the Top City matter, adding that further investigations into political matters would continue. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also welcomed the decision, describing it as a historic judgment that confirmed Hameed’s involvement in unlawful activities. Senator Faisal Vawda pointed out that the sentence handed down to the former DG ISI is part of a long and continuing process of justice that will not stop, adding that the May 9 cases are still pending. Journalists and commentators have also described the verdicts as a beginning towards genuine rule of law. Hopefully, all concerned would understand that they have to perform their duties and responsibilities strictly in accordance with the law and violations have a cost.
