Azerbaijan Military Contingent Wins Hearts of Pakistanis – by Tazeen Akhtar

Tazeen Akhtar
The fraternal bonds between two nations of South Asia and South Caucasus have been exemplary through the past 3 decades but they have turned a new leaf in last few years, especially after Second Karabakh War between Sep 27, 2020 – Nov 10, 2020. Both countries have not only cemented their already present bilateral ties but shaped them into a true friendship and brotherhood, presenting another model of two countries one nation like it is about Pakistan and Turkiye.

Pakistan stood steadfast with Azerbaijan during the war, morally, politically, socially and above all legally in a sense that Pakistan always supports Azerbaijan’s case on Karabakh. Both houses of our parliaments passed resolutions in favor of Azerbaijan while all three wings of our armed forces built and developed cooperation with Azerbaijani forces.

The most notable and heart catching phenomenon of brotherhood between the two countries is the participation of Azerbaijan armed forces in Pakistan’s National Day parade on 23 March every year now. Azerbaijan contingent maintained the tradition on this 23 March as well.

The group of servicemen of Azerbaijan Army and the Military Orchestra band of Heydar Aliyev Military Institute represented their country in the National Day parade of Pakistan that has been welcomed by Pakistanis. It was the national leader Heydar Aliyev who first get a military training institute established in previously Azerbaijan SSR. The visionary leader had foreseen the necessity of a trained personnel to be activated when time for independence was near.

Major Mehman Garagozov of Azerbaijan contingent was full of enthusiasm to participate shoulder by shoulder with Pakistan armed forces in the parade. He said to a specially facilitated media for coverage that Pakistan is our brother country and we always feel honored to be part of this special occasion. He said our moral is high after successful rehearsal.

President Zardari, in his address to the parade, said Pakistan wants good relations with all its neighbors, but warned that Islamabad will not compromise its sovereignty. He condemned Israeli brutalities against innocent citizens, women , children and elderly. He urged the international community to stop the killings in Gaza.

He reiterated his country’s continued support for the Palestinian people and said Islamabad will stand with them till the resolution of the issue based on their aspirations.Zardari warned India and Afghanistan as well without naming them to refrain from supporting terrorism in Pakistan.

The President, Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and others, Chiefs of all three wings of Armed forces witnessed the parade and appreciated the composition of the contingent of Azerbaijan.

Another remarkable expression of solidarity to Pakistan by Azerbaijan was the beautiful performance of Azerbaijani military band at iconic Pakistan Monument when the night was spreading its wings and the illumination at the monument was presenting an eye catching look.

The band played national anthems of both countries to a large number of guests invited as well as already present visitors to the picnic site of Islamabad. The people gathered there with families from twin cities of Rawalpindi Islamabad and around welcomed the band and appreciated their performance with huge applause.

The young, energetic and full of warmth personnel of Azerbaijan military won the hearts of Pakistanis by their discipline and training they have acquired from their seniors. Pakistanis hold their Azerbaijan brothers and sisters in high esteem always. The bond that joins people of both states is no doubt unbreakable.