Islamabad
The dramatic rise and fall of former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief Lt General Faiz Hameed (retd) highlights the deep structural tensions within Pakistan’s civil–military system, experts say. His recent conviction and 14-year sentence mark an unusual public accountability in a country where the military has long been the most stable and influential institution.
According to Syed Eesar Mehdi, a research fellow at the International Centre for Peace Studies, Hameed’s career reflects how personal loyalties, political alignment, and institutional interests intertwine. “His ascent was aided by trust and alignment with then-Prime Minister Imran Khan. His downfall came as political tides shifted, showing how loyalty can quickly become a liability,” Mehdi noted.
Historically, generals falling out of favour retire quietly, shielded by institutional norms. Hameed’s public prosecution, therefore, represents a significant departure from tradition and raises questions about the evolving dynamics between Pakistan’s civilian authorities and military leadership.
Hameed gained prominence in the late 2010s during Imran Khan’s tenure, seen by supporters as a reformist partnership, while critics labelled it political engineering. After Khan’s ouster and the May 9, 2023, protests that targeted military installations, Hameed’s perceived support for Khan became politically sensitive. The sentence reinforces the message that institutional loyalty outweighs personal allegiance.
Mehdi explains, “Civilian leaders often rely on military allies, while the military seeks influence without political responsibility. When these goals clash, those caught in between become expendable.” Hameed’s story, he adds, is less an exception than a reflection of Pakistan’s systemic patterns—where accountability, loyalty, and institutional survival are continuously redefined.
This case underscores the fragile balance between civilian authority and military power, illustrating how individual careers are ultimately shaped by broader political and institutional currents.
