Former ISI chief Faiz Hameed files appeal against conviction

Former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed has filed an appeal against the sentence awarded to him by a military court, according to a media report.

 “Yes, we have appealed his sentencing,” Faiz's lawyer Barrister Mian Ali Ashfaq said, as quoted by the report. He did not reveal further details about the grounds or contents of the appeal.

The former intelligence chief was sentenced on December 11 to 14 years of rigorous imprisonment by a military court after being convicted on four charges, including violations of secrecy laws, involvement in political activities, misuse of authority and causing harm to individuals.

Under the law, Faiz Hameed has 40 days from the date of his conviction to challenge the verdict of the Field General Court Martial (FGCM).

According to Section 133B of the Pakistan Army Act, any person sentenced by a court-martial to more than three months’ imprisonment has the right to file an appeal before a court of appeals.

Such a court is to be constituted by the chief of the army staff, who also serves as the chief of the defence forces, or officers nominated by him.