Azerbaijan’s Victory a Beacon of Hope for Kashmiris and Palestinians, Says PM Shehbaz at Baku Military Parade

BAKU: Azerbaijan celebrated the 5th anniversary of its Victory Day with a grand military parade in Baku, marking its triumph over Armenia in the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war. The event was attended by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, and Field Marshal Asim Munir.

Nagorno-Karabakh, much of which had been under Armenian control for nearly three decades, was liberated by Azerbaijan during the 44-day war in 2020. The conflict ended with a Russia-brokered peace deal that also paved the way for improved relations between the two nations.

**PM Shehbaz Sharif’s Address:**
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his speech, said Azerbaijan’s victory serves as a “beacon of hope” for the people of Kashmir and Gaza who continue to struggle for freedom. He praised the Azerbaijani people for reclaiming their ancestral lands under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev and commended the remarkable reconstruction efforts in Karabakh.

He added that during Pakistan’s war with India, the governments of Türkiye and Azerbaijan stood firmly by Pakistan. “Under the leadership of Field Marshal Asim Munir, our armed forces gave a befitting response to the enemy and shot down seven aircraft,” he said.

PM Shehbaz also thanked President Erdoğan for mediating a ceasefire between Pakistan and India and for hosting peace talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan. He paid tribute to the Azerbaijani soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the war.

**President Ilham Aliyev’s Address:**
President Aliyev expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s steadfast support during the 44-day war, saying it would “never be forgotten.” Addressing the parade, he said, “For the first time, Pakistani soldiers are standing with us at Freedom Square. This symbolizes the unity of the people and armed forces of Azerbaijan, Türkiye, and Pakistan.”

He also praised President Erdoğan’s unwavering support for Azerbaijan from the very beginning of the conflict, describing it as a source of strength and encouragement.

**President Erdoğan’s Address:**
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan reaffirmed the strong bond between the three nations, saying, “Türkiye, Azerbaijan, and Pakistan are like one family. The ties between our countries will continue to grow stronger.” He congratulated the Azerbaijani people and armed forces on their Victory Day, commending their courage in defending their homeland.

During the parade, the national anthems of Azerbaijan, Türkiye, and Pakistan were played, and a contingent of the Pakistan Army also participated, presenting a salute alongside Azerbaijani and Turkish troops.