Pakistan, Azerbaijan, Turkiye Stand United in Brotherhood, Says PM Shehbaz Sharif on Azerbaijan Victory Day

Baku, The Gulf Observer: Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, on Saturday, reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to peace while emphasizing that its sovereignty and territorial integrity cannot be challenged. Addressing the military parade on the occasion of Azerbaijan’s Victory Day, the prime minister highlighted the close fraternal ties between Pakistan, Azerbaijan, and Turkiye, describing the three nations as “brothers whose hearts beat together.”

“What a proud and scintillating sight it is to witness our valiant armed forces marching alongside their Azerbaijani and Turkish counterparts, while the skies roar with the JF-17 Thunder jets – a resounding symbol of our enduring friendship, which has, Alhamdolillah, grown stronger over the years,” he added.

Recalling the joint military celebrations in Islamabad on Pakistan’s Independence Day, August 14, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif lauded the presence of Azerbaijani and Turkish contingents alongside Pakistani forces, marking a historic display of solidarity during the Maarka-e-Haq celebrations.

Quoting the national poet Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal, the prime minister reflected on the significance of unwavering belief and commitment in achieving freedom, noting that five years ago, Azerbaijan, under the visionary leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, successfully liberated the ancestral lands of Karabakh. “Throughout this struggle, Pakistan stood like a rock beside brotherly Azerbaijan,” he emphasized.

The prime minister hailed Azerbaijan’s victory in Karabakh as a triumph of justice and a beacon of hope for all nations pursuing sovereignty and self-determination, including the people of Gaza and Indian-Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. He also highlighted the solidarity of Azerbaijan and Turkiye during Pakistan’s four-day conflict with India in May this year, praising the precision and professionalism of the Pakistani Armed Forces under the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and Air-Chief Marshal Zaheer Baber Sidhu.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed delight over the return of displaced families to Karabakh and praised President Aliyev’s personal commitment to the welfare and progress of the Azerbaijani people. He also lauded Turkey’s successful development model under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, describing it as a testament to visionary leadership that transformed Turkiye into a modern, strategic, and economic power.

“True victory lies not only on the battlefield but also in building bridges of peace and understanding,” he said, commending President Aliyev’s diplomatic efforts for peace and development. He also acknowledged the role of US President Donald J. Trump in facilitating the ceasefire between Pakistan and India, preventing a major war in South Asia.

Highlighting regional peace efforts, the prime minister appreciated President Erdogan and Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani for their roles in mediating peace between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Extending felicitations from the people of Pakistan, the prime minister prayed for the martyred souls of Azerbaijan and for continued strength and prosperity for the three brotherly nations.

President Ilham Aliyev, in his remarks, thanked Pakistan and Turkiye for their unwavering support during the 44-day war with Armenia. He stressed that the joint military presence and solidarity between the three countries demonstrated unity, brotherhood, and friendship. Aliyev also recounted the key events leading to Azerbaijan’s victory, emphasizing the resilience of its armed forces and people in liberating cities and villages from Armenian occupation.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan congratulated Azerbaijan on its Victory Day, wishing peace, progress, and prosperity for the Azerbaijani people. He emphasized that the victory marked the beginning of lasting regional peace and highlighted the importance of enhanced land connectivity for promoting trade and economic growth.

Azerbaijan’s Victory Day, celebrated on November 8, commemorates the triumph in the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War of 2020, which ended nearly 30 years of Armenian occupation and marked the liberation of Azerbaijani territories.