This year marks the fifth anniversary of Azerbaijan’s glorious Victory in the 44-day Patriotic War. On November 8, 2020, Azerbaijan’s occupied lands were liberated by the brave Azerbaijani Army, ending the 30-year longing of the people of Azerbaijan. This historic day, representing the dawn of a new era for Azerbaijan and the region, is celebrated annually as Victory Day, following the Order of H.E. Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Despite the grave economic, social, and humanitarian consequences of Armenia’s military aggression and prolonged occupation — blatant violations of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity and sovereignty — Azerbaijan consistently pursued peaceful resolution efforts. However, Armenia’s continued illegal occupation, its provocations, and its inflammatory rhetoric, including “new wars for new territories” and “Garabagh is Armenia,” ultimately derailed the peace process.
Following another large-scale offensive by Armenia on September 27, 2020, Azerbaijan exercised its right to self-defense under the UN Charter, launching a counter-offensive that began the 44-day Patriotic War — a decisive campaign that led to victory.
During the conflict, Armenia committed grave war crimes by targeting civilians in densely populated Azerbaijani cities such as Ganja, Barda, and Tartar — far from active combat zones — in an attempt to undermine the morale of the Azerbaijani people.
Through the perseverance and heroism of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces under the leadership of the victorious Commander-in-Chief, President Ilham Aliyev, major cities including Jabrayil, Fuzuli, Zangilan, Gubadli, and the culturally significant city of Shusha, along with more than 300 settlements, were liberated. Subsequently, three districts — Aghdam, Kalbajar, and Lachin — were returned to Azerbaijan without a single shot being fired, bringing the total number of liberated settlements to approximately 700.
This historic victory restored the territorial integrity of the Republic of Azerbaijan and fulfilled the four key UN Security Council resolutions adopted in 1993 — Resolutions 822, 853, 874, and 884.
On September 19–20, 2023, Azerbaijan conducted counter-terrorism measures to neutralize illegal armed groups and restore full sovereignty across the Karabakh region.
Pakistan has consistently reaffirmed its unwavering support for Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, and internationally recognized borders, in line with the above UN Security Council resolutions. Pakistan’s steadfast political and moral support during Azerbaijan’s Patriotic War exemplifies the deep brotherly ties between the two nations.
Following the historic victory, Azerbaijan launched extensive reconstruction and restoration efforts in the Karabakh and East Zangezur regions. Thousands of displaced citizens have already returned to their ancestral lands.
Azerbaijan continues to advocate for a peace-oriented regional agenda. Significant progress has been achieved in recent years, including the signing of a Joint Declaration between Azerbaijan and Armenia on August 8, 2025, in Washington, witnessed by the United States — marking a major milestone toward a lasting peace agreement. This development opens new avenues for stability, cooperation, and prosperity not only in the South Caucasus but across the broader region.
Today, the people of Azerbaijan solemnly honor the memory of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the nation’s territorial integrity. They extend profound respect and gratitude to their heroes, wishing continued peace, progress, and prosperity to Azerbaijan and the wider region.
