Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah said Thursday that the verdict in the court-martial case of former ISI chief Lieutenant General (retd) Faiz Hamid is expected later this month, but urged that no predictions be made about the possible sentence.
Speaking to Geo News in Islamabad, Sanaullah said: “As per my knowledge, the verdict on Faiz Hamid’s case is expected this December. We should avoid making forecasts regarding his punishment.”
Faiz Hamid has been facing a military trial on charges of political interference, abuse of authority, and violations of the Army Act and Official Secrets Act. Once a powerful figure in Pakistan’s intelligence network, Hamid rose to prominence during the Faizabad sit-in in 2017 when he served in the ISI’s counter-intelligence wing.
He was taken into military custody in August 2024. According to the ISPR, a detailed inquiry was launched on the Supreme Court’s orders into allegations linked to the Top City housing scheme case. The inquiry reportedly found multiple violations of the Army Act, including alleged involvement in land grabbing and misuse of authority. Three retired officers were also arrested in connection with the case.
DG ISPR Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has said the legal process must run its course, and the final outcome will be made public immediately once the proceedings conclude.
CDF notification debate
Sanaullah also addressed speculation surrounding the appointment and notification of the newly created Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), calling such rumours “baseless.” He said the role created under recently amended defence laws would become an “extremely important institution” for Pakistan’s security structure. However, detailed rules and regulations governing the CDF’s powers are still being prepared, and the process requires caution.
He stressed that linking the timing of the notification to political developments is inappropriate.
Crackdown on anti-state propaganda
The adviser said the list of individuals abroad spreading anti-Pakistan content on social media will be expanded. He warned that propaganda aimed at the country’s security institutions will not be tolerated.
“No law allows propaganda related to national security,” he said.
He issued a warning to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, stating that if Afridi obstructs counter-terrorism efforts or facilitates militant activity, his political future would be “dark.” However, he added that purely political expression through speeches should be allowed.
Meetings with Imran Khan
On the issue of jail visits to PTI founder Imran Khan, Sanaullah said the former prime minister is entitled to B-Class facilities as per law and that the government will not take steps that diminish his status.
He said KP Chief Minister Afridi should be allowed to meet Imran Khan as long as the meeting is not being used to organise protests or political movements aimed at destabilising the state.
“If a meeting is meant for protest, a movement against the government, or facilitating terrorism, then such a meeting should not be allowed,” he added.
Sanaullah also criticised the PTI for politicising prison interactions, noting that during Nawaz Sharif’s imprisonment, the previous government did not follow the law in granting facilities.
The adviser reiterated that maintaining national security and preventing inflammatory activity remains the government’s top priority.
