ISLAMABAD: Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman called on Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday and assured him of his party’s all-out support in the wake of Panama leaks crisis.

A spokesman for JUI-F chief, Mufti Ibrar, told Dawn that the two leaders discussed political situation in the country with particular reference to the opposition’s criticism of the prime minister over the allegations contained in the Panama Papers.

The JUI-F is a coalition partner of the ruling PML-N at the centre and its two members are part of the federal cabinet.

The JUI-F had earlier supported the PML-N government during the 126-day sit-in held in Islamabad by the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf in 2014. In return, Maulana Fazlur Rehman had to face personal attacks by the PTI leadership.

Mufti Ibrar said the JUI-F leader had advised the prime minister to remain steadfast and not to feel any pressure over the Panama leaks. He said the Maulana considered Panama leaks a non-issue.

The spokesman said the Maulana praised Mr Sharif for presenting himself and his family for accountability in the wake of allegations levelled by opposition parties.

Published in Dawn, April 29th, 2016