Report : Tazeen Akhtar | Camera : Raja Ghulam Farid
Chairman Senate of Pakistan, Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has highlighted strong growing relations between Pakistan and Azerbaijan that are transforming into meaningful economic cooperation day by day. He and other representatives of Gov of Pakistan have expressed their gratitude to people, gov and President of Azerbaijan for their full fledged support during Marka e Haqq.
Mr. and Mrs. Khazar Farhadov , Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan hosted a grand reception on 108th Independence Day of their country in Islamabad on 13 March 2025 that was attended by a large number of Federal and Provincial ministers , community leaders from various sectors, ambassadors especially from all Turkic states, Central Asia, Middle East, Europe and other regions of the world.
It was very well attended event with Chairman Senate of Pakistan, Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani as chief guest while Deputy Speaker National Assembly Ghulam Mustafa Shah, Minister Communication Abdul Aleem Khan, Minister IT Shaza Fatimah Khwaja,Minister Law & HR Azam Nazeer Tarar, Minister Climate Musadiq Malik, Speaker Punjab Assembly Malik Ahmad Khan Senior Minister Punjab Mariyam Aurangzeb, MNA Shaista Pervez Malik, Farooq Sattar MNA were also present.
Chairman Senate , Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani in his keynote address said ;
The harmony between Pakistan and Azerbaijan in the IPU and the Asian Parliamentary Assembly is remarkable. Azerbaijan is introducing modern architecture and a development vision in Islamabad. Public and trade relations are developing.
Azerbaijan starts 11 weekly flights to Pakistan, facilities are available from Islamabad and Lahore. The journey from Pakistan to Azerbaijan is completed in less than three hours. Flights between Pakistan and Azerbaijan will be further increased in the future.
Chairman said, The historic “Multani Caravanserai” in Baku is a symbol of the centuries-old relations between the subcontinent and Azerbaijan. UNESCO has given special importance to the historic “Multani Caravanserai”.
Federal Minister Communication, President Estehkam e Pakistan Party , Abdul Aleem Khan , in his address said ;
Azerbaijan holds the honor of being the first parliamentary republic in the Muslim world. Emerging with deep historical factors and innovation is the uniqueness of Azerbaijan.
Since the independence of Azerbaijan, relations between Pakistan have gained a new dimension.
We appreciate the brilliant vision of President Ilham Aliyev. Both countries have the full potential to face the challenges of the 21st century together. Trade and transit agreements are important. Both countries are keen to increase land links.
” Last year, more than 90,000 Pakistanis visited Azerbaijan. The distance between Islamabad and Baku is decreasing day by day. Azerbaijan’s unwavering support for Pakistan in the fight for justice is commendable. The Pakistani people are grateful for the support, Minister Abdul Aleem Khan concluded.
Azerbaijan makes GULDASTAH of Sisterly States @ National Day Celebration in Islamabad on 13 May 2026
From Left to Right : Ambassador Pakistan Hassan Ali Zaigham, Uzbekistan Alishery Tukhtaev, Turkiye Dr Irfan Neziroglu, Host Khazar Farhadov, Turkmenistan Atadjan Movlamov, Tajikistan Sharifzoda Yusuf Toir, Kazakhstan Yerzhan Kistafin and Spouses ! Representative Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus TRNC Ms Buket Cop is also present : Foto Raja Ghulam Farid for Pakistan in the World Media Group
Ambassador Khazar Farhadov, in his welcome address shed light on the history of the day and emergence of the state as successful model of strength, stability, development and prosperity ;
Today, we proudly celebrate the 108th anniversary of Azerbaijan’s independence and the establishment of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic on May 28, 1918 – the first secular republic in the Muslim East. This historic occasion symbolizes not only the restoration of our sovereignty, but also the enduring spirit of resilience, sacrifice, and steadfast commitment to progress that defines the people of Azerbaijan.
” Within a remarkably short period of time, Azerbaijan succeeded in establishing its first parliament and government, determining its borders, adopting state symbols, and implementing fundamental state-building reforms. Significant achievements were also made in strengthening the Republic’s position as a subject of international relations and safeguarding its national interests, Ambassador noted.
H.E added, Although the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic existed for only 23 months, it played a crucial role in shaping democratic values and the traditions of national statehood. It also laid a strong foundation for the future independence of Azerbaijan by fostering the ideals of freedom and sovereignty among its people.
On recent history, Ambassador said, As the legal successor to the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, the Republic of Azerbaijan restored its independence in 1991 and preserved its sovereignty thanks to the visionary leadership and immense contributions of the National Leader of Azerbaijan, Heydar Aliyev, to the Azerbaijani state and people.
“Today, under the leadership of His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the country continues to successfully uphold, develop, and enrich the legacy of Heydar Aliyev, Ambassador Khazar Farhadov shared with the guests in his speech.
In 2020, under the leadership of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces, President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan liberated its internationally recognized territories from the almost 30-year long occupation by Armenia, implementing UN Security Council 4 resolutions of 1993.
Conflict with Armenia and Vistory of Azerbaijan
Ambassador detailed on the conflict and shared, To prevent further large-scale provocations by Armenian forces in the Karabakh economic region of Azerbaijan and to restore the constitutional order, the Azerbaijani Army conducted an anti-terror operation on September 19, 2023, which lasted just 23 hours, forced the enemy to surrender. This victory fully restored Azerbaijan’s sovereignty, and today, the Azerbaijani flag flies proudly in all territories of Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijan Pakistan Relations
H.E Khazar Farhadov as a great friend of Pakistan touched the status of bilateral cooperation as, “From the first day of our independence, the brotherly relations between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan have evolved into a truly exemplary partnership founded upon mutual trust, solidarity, and unwavering support for one another on all issues of common interest.”
Pakistan was one of the first countries that recognized the independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan on December 12, 1991. The diplomatic relations between the two countries were established on June 9, 1992.
Since that time our countries have consistently stood side by side, demonstrating that the ties between Azerbaijan and Pakistan go far beyond traditional interstate cooperation and are deeply rooted in the genuine friendship between our peoples.
Azerbaijan has always felt Pakistan’s full support to the Republic of Azerbaijan both in bilateral format and within the framework of international organizations, and during the occupation of Azerbaijani lands by invader Armenia and their liberation by Azerbaijan, and in the post-conflict period.
Today, Azerbaijan-Pakistan relations continue to develop dynamically across a wide range of areas, including political dialogue, trade and investment, defense cooperation, tourism, education, and cultural exchange, Ambassador expressed satisfaction on mutual growing ties.
He said, “The increasing frequency of high-level visits and bilateral engagements in recent years clearly reflects the strong political will of the leaderships of both countries to further strengthen this strategic partnership.”
G2G, B2B and P2P contacts are gaining remarkable momentum.
Ambassador informed the guests , “The launch of direct flights reaching 11 times a week between our countries has significantly contributed to enhancing connectivity, facilitating tourism, encouraging commercial interaction, and bringing our peoples even closer together.”
The opening of Pakistan’s “Asan Khidmat (PAK)” initiative under the same concept of Azerbaijan further symbolizes the growing spirit of cooperation and exchange of best practices between our nations.
Another noteworthy example of this close partnership can be seen here in Islamabad, where beautification works inspired by the Baku model are currently being carried out by the Baku Beautification Team whose representatives are also present here with us. These efforts stand as a visible reflection of the friendship and cooperation between our capitals and our peoples.
Ambassador said, “We believe that this vision of our leaders also opens new avenues for cooperation and exchange of expertise between Azerbaijan and Pakistan in the fields of urban planning, municipal development, and architectural innovation, as well.”
It should be underlined that the large-scale urbanization and reconstruction projects are currently underway in Azerbaijan’s Karabakh and East Zangazur regions, focusing on creating modern, sustainable, and “smart” communities for returning of former IDPs to their ancestral lands.
Ambassador shared , 2026 has been declared in the Republic of Azerbaijan as the “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture.” This important initiative reflects Azerbaijan’s strong commitment to sustainable urban development, modern architecture, environmental harmony, and the creation of smart and livable cities.
In this context, a cornerstone of Azerbaijan’s “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture”, in the forthcoming days my country will host the Thirteenth Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13).
Finally, Ambassador noted, Over the past years, Azerbaijan has successfully chaired several important organizations such as the UN Security Council, the Non-Aligned Movement, the Organization of Turkic States, COP29, ECO, and many others.
The vast and beautiful hall of the newly inaugurated hotel Movenpick was packed with the guests from all walks of life that depicts the deep rooted brotherly relations between two states at all levels.
