Former ISI Chief Lt Gen (R) Faiz Hameed Accused of Retaining Classified Documents After Retirement, Sources Say

Islamabad — According to informed sources, former Director General of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Lieutenant General (Retd) Faiz Hameed, who has been sentenced to 14 years in prison, was also accused of unlawfully retaining classified government documents after his retirement, despite not being authorized to possess them.

The sources did not disclose the nature or content of the confidential documents allegedly kept by Faiz Hameed. However, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated that the former ISI chief was tried and convicted on four charges.

As per ISPR, the charges included involvement in political activities, violation of the Official Secrets Act in a manner harmful to state security, misuse of authority and official resources, and causing harm to certain individuals. While ISPR did not provide detailed explanations, sources said one of the Official Secrets Act charges specifically related to retaining secret state documents after retirement.

The allegation of political involvement was linked to Faiz Hameed’s meetings and contacts with politicians. In December 2024, *The News* reported that after retirement, Lt Gen (R) Faiz Hameed maintained contacts with around 50 politicians, most of whom were associated with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

Under amendments to the Army Act made in 2023, officers who have served in sensitive positions are barred from participating in political activities for five years after retirement. Sources said Faiz Hameed was warned multiple times about his post-retirement activities before his arrest, but he did not discontinue them. These activities later became part of the inquiry.

Another major charge was related to the Top City housing society case, details of which had previously surfaced. Faiz Hameed was accused of using his position to seek financial benefits from a private housing society. The case originated from a petition filed in the Supreme Court by the current Chief Executive Officer of the housing society.

The petition alleged that on May 12, 2017, personnel from Pakistan Rangers and ISI raided the housing project’s office and the owner’s residence in connection with an alleged terrorism case, seizing gold, diamonds, cash, and other valuables. It was further claimed that the operation was conducted on the complaint of a woman described as a British citizen of Pakistani origin.

According to the petitioner, Faiz Hameed’s brother, Sardar Najaf, acted as an intermediary in attempts to resolve the matter. The petition stated that after the Rawalpindi Anti-Terrorism Court acquitted the petitioner in the terrorism case, Faiz Hameed contacted him through a brigadier cousin to arrange a meeting.

During the alleged meeting, Faiz Hameed reportedly told the petitioner that the seized items would be returned, except for 400 tolas of gold and cash. The petition further claimed that retired ISI brigadiers pressured the petitioner to pay Rs40 million in cash and financially support a private TV channel for several months.

However, the Supreme Court directed the petitioner to approach relevant forums, including the Ministry of Defence, for redressal of his grievances.

An additional charge in the trial related to causing harm to a former employee of Bahria Town, according to sources.