Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) lawmakers requested Punjab's home department to issue permission for them to meet incarcerated former premier Nawaz Sharif on Thursday.

The letter, dated October 2, was written by JUI-F Senator Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haidari, parliamentary leader Maulana Asadur Rehman and the parliamentary leader in the KP Assembly Muhammad Akram Khan Durrani.

The home department has not responded to the request so far.

A JUI-F spokesperson said that if the meeting was allowed to take place, the leaders will inquire after Sharif's health and will also deliver party chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman's "special message".

Sharif is currently in Kot Lakhpat jail, where he is serving his sentence after being convicted in the Al Azizia corruption case.

JUI-F chief Rehman has announced to set out on a long march against the incumbent government and is seeking support from PML-N and PPP — the major opposition parties — who have so far been non-commital in declaring outright support.

PML-N leaders, in a meeting with Rehman yesterday, urged him to delay the march to "better mobilise resources". PPP, on the other hand, expressed unwillingness to participate in the anti-government movement because of the inclusion of the issues of blasphemy laws and Namoos-i-Risalat on its agenda but has urged opposition to stay united.