An Islamabad court has ruled that four officials from Pakistan’s Ministry of Defence will serve prison terms for leaking sensitive information to a foreign agent. The verdict marks a significant development in a case that raised concerns about security within state institutions.
According to details shared in reports, the four officials sentenced were found guilty of sharing confidential material with a suspected Russian intelligence intermediary. The court said their actions violated the country’s security laws and posed a serious threat to national interests.
The officials sentenced include Safdar Rehman, who received a 10-year prison term. Tanzeel ur Rehman, Muhammad Waqar, and Muhammad Tahir were each given five years in jail. All four were civilians connected to the Ministry of Defence.
The court delivered the verdict under Pakistan’s Official Secrets Act. Prosecutors argued that the accused shared classified information with a foreign contact. The court agreed with the prosecution’s claims and concluded that the leak could damage national security.
However, two other individuals named in the investigation were acquitted. The court said evidence showed they had no direct contact with the alleged foreign agent. Judges noted that these two individuals neither met the agent nor transferred classified data.
The case first came to light in 2021 when authorities registered an espionage investigation. Officials alleged that a Russian diplomat acted as an intelligence intermediary. Investigators said the accused maintained contact with this foreign agent and shared sensitive information.
The suspects had been released on bail in 2022 while the legal process continued. After several hearings and review of evidence, the court has now issued its final decision. The officials sentenced will begin serving their prison terms following the verdict.
The investigation also looked into possible involvement of higher-ranking figures. At one stage, a military officer was included in the inquiry. However, he later challenged his inclusion in the case at the Islamabad High Court and obtained relief.
Security analysts say the case highlights vulnerabilities within sensitive government departments. Authorities are expected to review internal procedures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The ruling closes a long-running espionage case that drew attention due to its national security implications and the involvement of defence-linked personnel.
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