ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif met with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Monday and the two leaders held consultations over holding talks with militant groups as well as over the possible inclusion of JUI-F in the federal cabinet, DawnNews reported.

According to sources, the JUI-F chief called upon Sharif at the Noor Khan Air Base in Rawalpindi before the premier’s departure to Britain today.

Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan and Information Minister Pervez Rashid were also present at the meeting.

During the meeting, consultations were held amongst the leaders over negotiations with militant groups and Prime Minister Sharif and the interior minister briefed Rehman regarding progress on these talks.

Moreover, discussions were also held to include JUI-F in the federal cabinet.

Sources said the premier also took the JUI-F chief in confidence regarding his visit to the United States.

Earlier on October 24, Prime Minister Sharif and US President Barack Obama held a 90-minute long one-on-one meeting at the White House’s Oval Office.

Sharif had brought up the issue of US drone strikes in Pakistan and told the American president that the strikes need to end.

The two leaders had also discussed Pakistan's ties with India, including the Kashmir issue.