Azerbaijan Celebrates 108th Independence Day in Islamabad, Reaffirms Strategic Ties with Pakistan
Senate Chairman Gilani Congratulates Azerbaijan on 108th Independence Anniversary
Azerbaijan’s Independence Day Reception Reflects Deepening People-to-People and Diplomatic Ties Between Islamabad and Baku
Islamabad – 14 May 2026 (Adnan Hameed): Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Pakistan highlighted the historic journey of Azerbaijan and the deep-rooted brotherly ties between Azerbaijan and Pakistan while addressing the official reception marking the 108th anniversary of the Independence Day of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Islamabad.
Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and congratulated Azerbaijan on behalf of the Government and people of Pakistan, other notable personalities included Aleem Khan and Speaker of Punjab assembly were also present.
Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani has said that relations between Pakistan and Azerbaijan are rooted in deep religious, cultural, historical, and people-to-people ties that bind the two brotherly nations together. Congratulating the , Chairman Senate Gilani said both countries have always supported each other in times of happiness and difficulty. He noted that the people of Azerbaijan celebrated Pakistan’s success against Indian aggression with great enthusiasm, reflecting the strength of bilateral friendship.
He said he had held several meetings with the President of Azerbaijan and parliamentary leaders to discuss bilateral relations, parliamentary cooperation, and coordination at international forums including the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the Asian Parliamentary Assembly. Highlighting growing connectivity between the two countries, Gilani said Azerbaijan has launched 11 weekly flights for Islamabad and Lahore with comparatively lower fares to facilitate Pakistani travelers. He added that Azerbaijan can now be reached from Pakistan in less than three hours, while further expansion in flight operations would help promote tourism and people-to-people contacts.
The Chairman Senate also referred to the historic Multani Caravanserai in Baku, describing it as a symbol of centuries-old historical ties between the regions through the Silk Route.
Addressing distinguished guests, diplomats, media representatives, and participants, the Ambassador said Azerbaijan proudly celebrates the establishment of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic on May 28, 1918, recognized as the first secular republic in the Muslim East. He stated that despite existing for only 23 months, the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic laid the foundation for democratic values, sovereignty, and national statehood traditions.
The Ambassador noted that Azerbaijan restored its independence in 1991 and preserved its sovereignty through the leadership and contributions of National Leader Heydar Aliyev. He added that under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan continues to strengthen and enrich this legacy.
Referring to regional developments, the Ambassador said Azerbaijan liberated its internationally recognized territories in 2020 after almost 30 years of occupation and fully restored its sovereignty following the anti-terror operation conducted on September 19, 2023.
Highlighting bilateral relations, the Ambassador stated that Pakistan was among the first countries to recognize the independence of Azerbaijan on December 12, 1991, while diplomatic relations between the two countries were established on June 9, 1992. He emphasized that Azerbaijan and Pakistan have consistently supported each other on issues of mutual interest and that their ties go beyond traditional interstate relations.
The Ambassador said Azerbaijan highly values Pakistan’s unwavering support during the occupation and liberation of Azerbaijani territories as well as during the post-conflict period. He further noted that Azerbaijan-Pakistan relations are expanding in political dialogue, trade and investment, defense cooperation, tourism, education, and cultural exchanges. According to him, the increasing number of high-level visits reflects the strong commitment of the leadership of both countries to further strengthen strategic partnership.
The Ambassador also highlighted the growing momentum in government-to-government, business-to-business, and people-to-people contacts. He said the launch of direct flights operating 11 times a week between the two countries has enhanced connectivity, tourism, and commercial interaction.
Referring to cooperation initiatives, he mentioned the opening of Pakistan’s “Asan Khidmat (PAK)” initiative under the same concept of Azerbaijan, terming it a symbol of exchange of best practices and closer cooperation. The Ambassador also pointed to beautification works in Islamabad being carried out by the Baku Beautification Team, describing them as a visible reflection of friendship and cooperation between the capitals and peoples of both countries.
Speaking about development initiatives in Azerbaijan, he said large-scale urbanization and reconstruction projects are underway in Karabakh and East Zangazur regions, aimed at creating modern, sustainable, and smart communities for returning internally displaced persons.
The Ambassador informed the audience that 2026 has been declared the “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture” in Azerbaijan. He also announced that Azerbaijan will host the Thirteenth Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in the coming days. Concluding his remarks, the Ambassador noted that Azerbaijan has successfully chaired several major international organizations and forums, including the UN Security Council, the Non-Aligned Movement, the Organization of Turkic States, COP29, and ECO.
