Islamabad, Feb 14 (IANS): Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Saturday urged the Pakistani media to play a responsible role in steering the country out of crisis.

"I heartily respect journalists making efforts to protect democracy and constitution," the prime minister said while addressing the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE), 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, Dawn reported.

Besides praising journalists for their inputs in improving Pakistan's image on the international front, the premier urged journalists to play an "ethical" role and formulate a code of conduct.

Sharif also expressed his disapproval for the protracted Islamabad sit-ins in 2014 that were organised as part of the opposition movement against the government, and said, "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.