PTI leader Sher Afzal Marwat has told media outside the Islamabad High Court that he has challenged a “British-era law” that restricts political discussions in jail.

His comments come after the Punjab Home Department on Tuesday imposed a blanket ban on meetings with prisoners for two weeks owing to ‘security threats’ — a move denounced by the PTI as contrary to court orders.

Marwat said he has challenged Rule 265 of Pakistan Prison Rules of 1978. He said he raised the question of how Imran Khan can be imprisoned — when his party has a strong presence in all provinces and the Centre — and not be allowed to have discussions related to his party.

“Rule 265 was made before Pakistan was created, when the British were here. The world has progressed, and they remembered this rule now? What else happens in jail I will not discuss, but now they’re troubled by political discussions in jail,” he said.

He added that he has submitted a writ petition for this case.