LAHORE: The Information Minister made a special mention of the efforts of President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani in engaging political leadership for durable peace in Karachi.

Lauding the role of the media, she said that the media had so far fulfilled its responsibilities of correcting the law and order situation in Karachi, adding that an inadvertent mistake on the issue could be dangerous for all stakeholders.

Firdous said that media must thwart attempts by certain elements that highlight Karachi situation as a linguistic issue or a matter of provincialism.

She dispelled the misperception that change of management at ATV would harm the interests of the workers, reassuring the interests of the ATV/STN workers would be protected at all costs.

Earlier, addressing the journalist the Information Minister said the government wished the media to present a soft-image of Pakistani society across the globe, adding that the PPP government has always hailed criticism-for- reconstruction by the media.

The Minister called upon the media to evolve a self regulatory mechanism to regulate itself, acknowledging the fact that the parliament as well as the media were passing through the evolutionary process in the country.

Firdous said that the government wishes to empower the media by creating an ideal conducive environment for it, adding that the media should also do its share in rebuilding of civil society and improving the image of the country.

Regarding bridging the gap between the print and electronic media, she said Electronic Media Directorate has been set up at Press Information Department (PID) Islamabad and similar directorates would be established at all provincial headquarters.

The Information Minister said Press Council has been established to enhance consultation with the media.

She also invited opinion of mediamen on the appointment of Chairman, Press Council, adding that the vacancy would be filled soon with a suitable    person.

Terming Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani's dialogue with civil society a remarkable success, Firdous said that he would incorporate opinion of the civil society as well as the media in his address on the 14th August.