He was talking to Minister for Information and Broadcasting Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan, who called on him here at the Prime Minister House on Saturday.

The Prime Minister said that independent media is essential for democracy to take roots and the government had always appreciated positive criticism by the media.

Highlighting the role of media as an important state pillar, the Prime Minister added that the main objective of the media is to inform, educate and entertain the society.

The government, he said, is providing all possible facilities to enhance the capacity of the media to make it more  vibrant.

The Prime Minister said that in this age of information, media can play an effective role to promote the soft image of Pakistan and to protect the national interests.

He asked the Minister for Information to formulate a media friendly policy in consultation with all the stakeholders, in line with the vision of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto of a democratic polity.

Appreciating the maturity of print and electronic media, the Prime Minister said that induction of seasoned journalists including women in different media organizations is heartening and a step towards professionalism.

He stressed upon the efforts to sensitize the youth towards national issues through media.

Minister for Information and Broadcasting apprised the Prime Minister of the working of her Ministry and assured him to bridge the gap between the government's public relation machinery and the media organizations.

She thanked the Prime Minister for his support to ensure the freedom of media.