PM Nawaz urges media to play a responsible role

LAHORE: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif while addressing the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE) on Saturday urged Pakistani media to play a responsible role in steering Pakistan out of crisis and appreciated the contribution of journalists in national development. “I heartily respect journalists making efforts to protect democracy and constitution,” the prime minister said, adding that for the next two years, channels should forego the race for ratings and support the government. The prime minister acknowledged in his speech that the country has undergone hardships and that every institution must contribute to resolve issues. Besides praising journalists for their input in improving Pakistan,s image on the international front, the premier urged journalists to play an “ethical” role and formulate a code of conduct. The premier also expressed his disapproval for the protracted Islamabad sit-ins in 2014 that were organised as part of the opposition movement against the government, saying, “The objectives of the sit-ins are beyond my understanding.” He added that visits of foreign dignitaries were cancelled due to the instability caused by the prolonged sit-ins. The prime minister also questioned the agenda of miscreants who vandalised the office of the Pakistan Television Network (PTV) during the sit-ins.