A Pakistan military court on Thursday sentenced former spy chief Lt. Gen. (retd.) Faiz Hameed to 14 years in prison over multiple charges, including political activities, misuse of authority, and violations of the Official Secrets Act, the military said.

The Field General Court Martial tried Hameed under the Pakistan Army Act over a 15-month-long process, concluding he was guilty on all four counts. The military statement said Hameed was provided full legal rights, including counsel of his choice, and may appeal the verdict before the relevant forum.

Hameed, former director general of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), was widely known as a close associate of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who has faced multiple graft and corruption cases since his 2023 arrest. Khan was removed from office in April 2022 through a no-confidence vote and has since criticized the military, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and the United States, allegations denied by all parties.

Security analyst Syed Muhammad Ali told AP that the ruling followed a thorough investigation giving Hameed ample chance to defend himself. “The decision signals that no officer, retired or active, will be allowed to engage in politics,” he said, noting Hameed’s case serves as a warning to others.

Hameed was detained in 2024 after a Supreme Court-ordered probe into the Top City project, a private housing development near Islamabad. Details of the charges were not publicly disclosed before the verdict.

The arrest and conviction of such a high-profile retired military officer surprised many in Pakistan, where the army holds substantial influence and detentions of senior officials are uncommon.