Azerbaijan Independence Day Marked
Naveed Ahmad Khan Photos by Sultan Bashir
Islamabad: Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani said that relations between Pakistan and Azerbaijan are not merely diplomatic in nature, but are rooted in deep religious, cultural, historical, and people-to-people bonds that unite the two brotherly nations. He addressing a ceremony held at a local hotel in Islamabad to mark the Independence Day of Azerbaijan hosted by Azerbaijan Embassy to Pakistan,
Earlier, Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Pakistan, Khazar Farhadov and his spouse welcome to guests .The event was attended by the Federal Ministers Abdul Aleem Khan, Azam Nazeer Tarar Law & Justice and Human Rights,Dr. Musadik Masood Malik Minister of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Shaza Fatima Khawaja Information Technology and Telecommunication, the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Punjab Assembly, members of parliament, Ambassadors and High Commissioners and other distinguished guests.
Extending heartfelt congratulations to the leadership and people of Azerbaijan on their Independence Day, the Chairman Senate boted that Pakistan and Azerbaijan have always stood by each other in times of joy and adversity. He noted that when Pakistan achieved success against Indian aggression, the people of Azerbaijan celebrated with the same enthusiasm and spirit as if it were their own victory.
Chairman Senate Gilani said that he had the opportunity to hold several meetings with the President of Azerbaijan and parliamentary leaders, during which bilateral relations, parliamentary cooperation, and coordination at international forums were discussed in detail. He added that the two countries share close understanding and common values at international platforms such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the Asian Parliamentary Assembly.
He further stated that Pakistan is pleased to see Azerbaijan introducing modern architectural vision and development initiatives in Islamabad. He appreciated the decision of the President of Azerbaijan to declare the current year as the “Year of Architecture.”
Highlighting the importance of enhancing public and trade relations, the Chairman Senate said that the President of Azerbaijan had informed him that 11 weekly flights for Pakistan had already been launched for Islamabad and Lahore. He noted that the fares have been kept comparatively lower than those of other destinations to facilitate Pakistani travelers. He added that Azerbaijan can now be reached from Pakistan in less than three hours and that the number of flights will further increase in the future to promote tourism and people-to-people connectivity.
Chairman Senate Gilani also referred to the historic “Multani Caravanserai” in Baku, which, according to him, carries a history spanning over 700 years. He said the site stands as a symbol of the long-standing historical ties between the regions, reflecting how traders from the subcontinent, particularly from Multan, used the Silk Route to travel to Azerbaijan. He further noted that UNESCO has also recognized the historical significance of the site, and its original name has been preserved to this day.
Concluding his address, the Chairman Senate raised the slogan of “Long Live Pakistan-Azerbaijan Friendship” and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening the enduring ties between the two brotherly countries.
In his speech, Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Pakistan, Khazar Farhadov, said Azerbaijan proudly celebrates the 108th anniversary of its independence and the establishment of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic on May 28, 1918, the first secular republic in the Muslim East.
He said that within a remarkably short period, Azerbaijan succeeded in establishing its first parliament and government, determining national borders, adopting state symbols, and implementing fundamental state-building reforms, said a release issued here on Thursday.
Ambassador Farhadov stated that significant achievements were also made in strengthening the republic’s position in international relations and safeguarding national interests.
He noted that although the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic existed for only 23 months, it played a crucial role in shaping democratic values and traditions of national statehood, while laying a strong foundation for Azerbaijan’s future independence by fostering the ideals of freedom and sovereignty.
The ambassador said the Republic of Azerbaijan restored its independence in 1991 and preserved its sovereignty under the visionary leadership of National Leader Heydar Aliyev.
He added that today, under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan continues to uphold and strengthen the legacy of Heydar Aliyev.
Referring to regional developments, Ambassador Farhadov said that in 2020, under President Ilham Aliyev’s leadership as Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces, Azerbaijan liberated its internationally recognized territories from what he termed nearly 30 years of Armenian occupation, implementing four UN Security Council resolutions adopted in 1993.
He further said that on September 19, 2023, the Azerbaijani Army conducted an anti-terror operation in the Karabakh economic region to prevent further provocations and restore constitutional order.
According to the ambassador, the operation lasted 23 hours and restored Azerbaijan’s sovereignty across all its territories.
The envoy highlighted that large-scale urbanization and reconstruction projects are underway in the Karabakh and East Zangazur regions, aimed at creating modern, sustainable, and smart communities to facilitate the return of formerly displaced persons to their ancestral lands.
Ambassador Farhadov also announced that 2026 has been declared the “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture” in Azerbaijan, reflecting the country’s commitment to sustainable urban development, environmental harmony, and smart cities.
In this regard, he informed participants that Azerbaijan will host the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in the coming days.
The ambassador further noted that Azerbaijan has successfully chaired several major international organizations and events over recent years, including the UN Security Council, the Non-Aligned Movement, the Organization of Turkic States, ECO, and COP29.
Welcoming guests to the reception, Ambassador Farhadov said the event was dedicated to celebrating the Independence Day of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
