3 years past the start of Patriotic War

Naveed Ahmad Khan                 Photos by Raja Farid

ISLAMABAD: The Embassy of Azerbaijan in Islamabad observed “Remembrance Day” to honor the soldiers and officers who valiantly fought in the Patriotic War, reclaimed Azerbaijani territories, and made the ultimate sacrifice for the territorial integrity of their country on the occasion book presentation ceremony titled “The History of Patriotic War – Personality Factor also hold.

Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, Chairman, Senate Defence Committee was the chief guest on the occasion, Senator Muhammad Talha Mehmood, Dr. Mehmet Paçacı, Ambassador of Türkiye,  Mr. Atadjan Movlamov, Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Pakistan and Dean of Diplomatic Corps , Totuiaev Ulanbek Asankulovich, Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan, Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Mrs Dilşad Şenol, Ambassador ,Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC),Director-General ISSI , Ambassador ® Khalid Mahmood, Chairman, ISSI , Lt Col Khalid Taimur Akram,  Defense Analyst and media person also present on the occasion.

Ambassador Farhadov further elaborated on the pivotal moment that occurred on September 27, 2020, when Azerbaijan launched a counter-offensive in response to Armenia’s large-scale military attack on Azerbaijani Army positions and civilian settlements.

Under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, the Azerbaijani Armed Forces successfully liberated Azerbaijani territories from Armenian occupation, ultimately leading to Armenia’s capitulation.

In remembrance of the brave martyrs who fought for their nation’s territorial integrity, September 27th is now observed as Remembrance Day in Azerbaijan every year.

Local anti-terror measures were initiated to ensure compliance with the Trilateral Statement, disarm and withdraw Armenia’s armed forces from Azerbaijani territories, and secure the safety of civilians and military personnel. These measures strictly targeted legitimate military objectives, with an emphasis on protecting the civilian population.

Following intense negotiations, the armed forces of Armenia and illegal armed groups surrendered after 23 hours and 53 minutes.

However, Azerbaijan mourned the loss of martyrs not only during the 44-day Patriotic War but also during anti-terror measures and Armenian provocations in subsequent years.

Ambassador Farhadov expressed gratitude to Pakistan for its unwavering moral and political support throughout the conflict and during the local anti-terror measures.

He noted that Pakistan’s support had been highly appreciated by the Government and people of Azerbaijan.

The Ambassador highlighted Azerbaijan’s commitment to reconstruction and restoration efforts in the liberated areas, allocating billions of dollars to this endeavor.

Many former internally displaced persons (IDPs) have already returned to revitalized regions such as Fuzuli, Zangilan, and Lachin, with plans for additional families to relocate to their homeland.

Notably, Fuzuli and Zangilan International Airports have been constructed, and work on Lachin International Airport is underway.

Azerbaijan’s cultural capital, Shusha, and Aghdam have become venues for international events, symbolizing the resurgence of these regions.

Even the “Pakistan Colors” group performed the “Bhangra” dance at the 5th “Kharibulbul” International Folklore Festival held in Shusha in May 2022.

Ambassador Farhadov extended his appreciation to Pakistani media representatives for their support in raising awareness of Azerbaijan’s realities among the Pakistani public and on the international stage.

Ambassador Farhadov discussed the Western Azerbaijan Community, which was established in 1989 to protect the rights of Azerbaijanis expelled from their ancestral homeland, now known as Armenia.

He highlighted the historical injustices suffered by Azerbaijanis, including ethnic cleansing, violence, and mass deportations.

The Ambassador emphasized the urgent need for a legally binding international agreement to enable the return of Azerbaijanis expelled from Armenia to their homes and to ensure their individual and collective rights, as this is essential for lasting peace in the region