Due to heightened security concerns, the hearing was conducted behind bars. The case is tied to the infamous unrest that followed the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan on May 9, 2023.

According to the prosecution, Ahmad Bachhar incited mobs near Sharepao Bridge in Lahore through provocative speeches. The mob reportedly set fire to public property and caused widespread destruction.

The verdict, delivered inside the jail, is one of the harshest yet in connection with the May 9 violence—making it a high-stakes moment for both the state and the PTI leadership. The judgment has triggered strong reactions.

PTI leaders have slammed the ruling, calling it politically motivated. The party’s legal team has pledged to challenge the decision, claiming that Ahmad Bachhar was denied fair trial rights and that the evidence was insufficient.

Authorities, on the other hand, view the sentence as a firm message that those responsible for riots and lawlessness will be held accountable. Officials believe this shows the state’s resolve to maintain law and order.

The ruling is expected to deepen political unrest in Punjab, where PTI already faces legal pressure and internal instability. More protests, legal appeals, and public demonstrations by PTI supporters are likely in the days ahead.

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This ruling is more than just a court verdict—it’s a political flashpoint. With tensions already simmering in Punjab’s political landscape, sentencing a key opposition figure inside jail adds to the narrative of crackdown and confrontation. It also sets the stage for a new wave of protests and legal battles that could dominate the coming weeks.