By Saeed Yousafzai
ISLAMABAD – The Embassy of Azerbaijan in Pakistan hosted a reception in Islamabad on Wednesday to mark the 5th Anniversary of Azerbaijan’s Victory Day. Acting President of Pakistan Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani attended the ceremony as the chief guest.
The reception, hosted by Ambassador Khazar Farhadov, was attended by federal ministers, parliamentarians, members of the diplomatic corps, foreign envoys, media representatives, and Azerbaijani nationals residing in Pakistan. The national anthems of both countries were played, followed by a documentary showcasing Azerbaijan and its liberated territories.
In his address, Acting President Gilani congratulated the government and people of Azerbaijan, calling the Victory Day “a proud chapter in Azerbaijan’s modern history that reflects the courage, unity, and resilience of its nation.” He expressed confidence that bilateral ties would continue to grow across multiple sectors, including trade, energy, defense, and education.
He emphasized that relations between Pakistan and Azerbaijan are “not transactional, but historical and enduring,” founded on shared values of respect, justice, and equality. Recalling his recent visits to Azerbaijan, Gilani described Baku as a “home away from home” and lauded President Ilham Aliyev and Speaker of the Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova as trusted friends of Pakistan.
Highlighting the importance of parliamentary diplomacy, he said both countries’ parliaments have played a key role in strengthening bilateral cooperation. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further enhancing institutional collaboration with Azerbaijan.
In his remarks, Ambassador Khazar Farhadov paid tribute to the people of Azerbaijan for their resilience in liberating the city of Shusha, describing it as a symbol of the nation’s determination and spirit. He expressed gratitude to Pakistan for its unwavering support during the conflict and noted that November 8 is celebrated annually as Victory Day to honor the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for Azerbaijan’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
Acting President Gilani also praised the efforts of Ambassador Farhadov in deepening bilateral cooperation, stating that the evening symbolized not only the celebration of a significant national achievement but also the “unbreakable friendship and shared vision binding Pakistan and Azerbaijan.”
“Long Live Pakistan–Azerbaijan Friendship,” he concluded to applause.
