Baku (Web Desk): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday reaffirmed that Pakistan, like its Azerbaijani and Turkish brothers, desires peace but will never allow anyone to challenge its sovereignty or territorial integrity.
Speaking at Azerbaijan’s Victory Day parade in Baku, the prime minister said Pakistan, Türkiye, and Azerbaijan share a bond of brotherhood rooted in faith, courage, and unity. He noted that the three nations were celebrating together as partners in strength and spirit.
He described the parade as a powerful symbol of friendship, saying it was a proud sight to see Pakistan’s armed forces marching alongside Azerbaijani and Turkish troops while the roar of JF-17 Thunder jets filled the skies.
The prime minister recalled how military contingents from Azerbaijan and Türkiye had previously joined Pakistan’s Independence Day celebrations in Islamabad, where the nations commemorated their shared triumphs with enthusiasm and solidarity.
PM Shehbaz said the joy and pride reflected on the faces of the Azerbaijani people brought back memories of his own youth, when ideals of freedom and dignity burned brightly. Citing a verse by Allama Iqbal, he emphasized that freedom is achieved not through might alone but through unshakable faith and commitment to justice.
He paid rich tribute to the people and leadership of Azerbaijan for their historic victory in Karabakh, calling it a testament to courage and a triumph of justice that inspired all nations fighting for self-determination, including those in Gaza and Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
The prime minister noted that Pakistan had stood steadfastly with Azerbaijan throughout its struggle and praised the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev for guiding his nation with vision and strength.
Referring to recent regional developments, Shehbaz highlighted how Azerbaijan and Türkiye stood firmly with Pakistan during the four-day conflict with India earlier this year.
Commending the armed forces, he said that under Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir’s command, Pakistan had responded swiftly and decisively, inflicting heavy losses on the adversary. He also lauded the Pakistan Air Force for its precision and bravery in defending the homeland.
PM Shehbaz expressed satisfaction over the return of displaced families to Karabakh and admired the rapid reconstruction under President Aliyev’s leadership in cities like Shusha, Khankendi, Fuzuli, and Lachin.
He also praised President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for transforming Türkiye into a modern and progressive state through his visionary leadership.
The prime minister said that the true essence of victory lies not only in military achievements but in fostering peace and understanding.
He acknowledged the diplomatic efforts of President Aliyev and expressed appreciation for former US President Donald Trump’s role in bringing about a ceasefire between Pakistan and India, which prevented a potential large-scale conflict.
He further extended gratitude to President Erdoğan and Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani for their contributions to the Afghan peace process, describing it as another example of strong regional cooperation.
The prime minister concluded his address by praying for the martyrs of Azerbaijan and expressing hope that the three brotherly nations—Pakistan, Türkiye, and Azerbaijan—would continue to march together toward a peaceful and prosperous future.
President Ilham Aliyev thanked PM Shehbaz and the people of Pakistan for their solidarity during the war with Armenia.
He said the joint participation of military personnel from the three countries demonstrated the depth of their friendship and unity.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan congratulated Azerbaijan on its glorious victory, saying it marked the beginning of lasting peace and progress in the region.
Victory Day is celebrated in Azerbaijan on November 8 each year to commemorate the 2020 liberation of its territories in the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War, ending nearly three decades of Armenian occupation.