Says Hameed orchestrated political conspiracies, May 9 riots; additional charges apply
Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif on Saturday warned that elements involved in acts against Pakistan’s security and solidarity will face strict accountability, holding former ISI chief Faiz Hameed responsible for orchestrating major political conspiracies in the country.
According to state television, Radio Pakistanwhile talking to mediapersons in Sialkot, the minister said, “People who are hiding in various sectors involved in anti-state activities should be held accountable for their crimes”.
Referring to trials against security officials, he added: “The military establishment in a transparent trial punished the former Director General ISI and there are still more trials to be initiated against Faiz Hameed”.
Highlighting the seriousness of the recent incidents, the minister said, “The incidents witnessed over the last few days have no precedent in the history of Pakistan.”
He also addressed the impeachment of former Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, claiming that it was based on fabricated allegations. “Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was removed from office based on fabricated allegations during a conspiracy,” Asif said.
Accusing Hameed of political bias, he stated, “Faiz Hameed misused his position to protect PTI’s interests and he also hatched the conspiracy of May 9 events”.
Read: Former ISI chief Faiz Hameed sentenced to 14 years in prison by military court
Hameed was sentenced to 14 years of rigorous imprisonment by a court-martial on December 11, 2025 after being found guilty on several charges including abuse of authority, engaging in political activities, violating state secrets laws and causing undue loss to individuals, ISPR reported.
The case, initiated on 12 August 2024, lasted 15 months under the Pakistan Army Act. Hameed was given full legal rights, including a defense team of his choice, and retains the right to appeal.
Reacting to the verdict, Asif said, “The nation will in the coming years reap the harvest of the seeds sown by former Lt Gen Faiz Hameed and former Army Chief General (Retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa.”
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar also welcomed the verdict, noting that Hameed had “crossed the red line” by abusing his authority and acting as a political adviser to the PTI, and that further investigations into related political issues would continue. Among other things, the Top City case formed the basis for Hameed’s sentence.
Senator Faisal Vawda said the 14-year sentence was only the beginning of a wider accountability process, arguing that no general, judge or political leader is above the law, and further trials, including those linked to the May 9 unrest, will continue.
Asif further held Hameed responsible for Nawaz Sharif’s ouster in 2017. “The removal of Nawaz, the cases against him, the charges and Imran’s assumption of power, this entire project was carried out under the supervision of Faiz Hameed,” he said.
Read more: The fallen general
He added that Hameed, along with his “partner” Imran Khan, was responsible for causing “significant damage” to the country and was “responsible for Project Imran”, especially during the 2018 general elections.
The minister alleged that during PTI’s tenure, Hameed facilitated the imprisonment and intimidation of political opponents, claiming that Imran’s “vision” materialized through Hameed. “His biggest receiver was Imran,” Asif said.
Calling this period a “shameful” chapter, he alleged that Hameed orchestrated the May 9, 2023 riots in coordination with PTI workers, describing it as an “assault” on the sanctity of the armed forces.
He warned that conspirators trying to support Imran today had their roots in the Faiz-Hameed nexus, stressing: “These two personalities cannot be separated.”
Vowing to continue the “process” with accountability, Asif said: “Those who have staked the country’s future for power cannot be considered Pakistanis. Whether they are in uniform like Faiz or in a vest and Peshawari sandals like Imran”.
