PM also underscores need to ensure respect for international law, international treaties
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Uganda’s candidate for UN secretary-general, Olara Otunnu, in Islamabad. PHOTO: PMO
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday reiterated Pakistan’s support for multilateralism and the United Nations’ (UN) role in maintaining global peace and security during a meeting with Uganda’s candidate for UN Secretary-General, Olara Otunnu, according to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
According to the PMO statement on X, the meeting focused on Pakistan’s commitment to the principles of the UN Charter, respect for international law and the priorities the next UN Secretary-General should pursue.
H.E. Ambassador Olara Otunnu, candidate for the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations, called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif today. He was accompanied by H.E. Mr. Ruhakana Rugunda, Special Envoy of the President of Uganda and Former Prime Minister of… pic.twitter.com/ZY5QkKJDSe
— Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) September 4, 2026
The prime minister “reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to the principles and purposes of the United Nations Charter”, the PMO said. He also “underscored the need for ensuring respect for international law and international treaties”.
PM Shehbaz said Pakistan would continue to provide “strong and abiding support for multilateralism and the role of the United Nations in global affairs”. He also stressed the importance of maintaining a balanced approach to the three main pillars of the UN’s work.
The prime minister expressed the hope that the next secretary-general of the UN would continue to focus on “peace and security, development, and human rights” in an “interconnected and balanced manner”.
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Otunnu is a candidate for the position of UN secretary-general, with the selection process for the organisation’s next chief under way ahead of the end of António Guterres’s term.
During the meeting, Otunnu expressed his “profound gratitude” for Pakistan’s longstanding contributions to multilateralism and its work across all three pillars of the United Nations. The PMO said Otunnu “appreciated Pakistan’s leadership for playing a key role in the ongoing efforts for international peace and security”.
Otunnu was accompanied by Ruhakana Rugunda, Special Envoy of the Ugandan President and a former Prime Minister of Uganda. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi, and Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch also attended the meeting.
