Thirty-four years ago, on the night of February 25–26, 1992, one of the most egregious atrocities of the late 20th century was perpetrated against the Azerbaijani civilian population in the town of Khojaly. The Khojaly genocide, committed by the armed forces of the Republic of Armenia with the direct involvement of the 366th Motorized Rifle Regiment of the former USSR, stands as a horrific testament to ethnic hatred and a profound violation of international law. On this solemn anniversary, we commemorate the memory of the 613 innocent victims—including 106 women, 70 elderly individuals, and 63 children—whose lives were brutally taken in a single night.
This massacre was not an isolated incident but a pivotal part of a systematic policy of ethnic cleansing and territorial aggression pursued by Armenia against Azerbaijanis. The widespread atrocities committed in numerous Azerbaijani villages, including Baghanis Ayrim, Imarat-Garvand, Meshali, and Garadaghli, among others, demonstrate a clear pattern. The siege of Khojaly beginning in 1991, the deliberate切断 of electricity and communication, and the subsequent heavy shelling of the defenseless population were all orchestrated to maximize civilian casualties, underscoring the premeditated and intentional nature of the crime.
The sheer brutality of the Khojaly genocide—characterized by the inhuman treatment, torture, and mutilation of victims—flagrantly contravened the fundamental tenets of international humanitarian and human rights law. This act constitutes a grave breach of key international conventions, including the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide and the Convention against Torture. The horrific toll included the complete annihilation of 8 families, the orphaning of 25 children, and the taking of 1,275 people hostage.
The deliberate intent behind the massacre has been chillingly corroborated by the perpetrators themselves. The statement by Monte Melkonian that Khojaly served as both a “strategic goal” and an “act of revenge,” alongside the unrepentant admission by former Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan that the operation was intended to “break the stereotype” and that he had “absolutely no regrets,” confirms that this was a state-sanctioned act of genocidal violence. These confessions firmly establish Armenia’s international legal responsibility.
For decades, the international community’s failure to adequately condemn and respond to the Khojaly genocide emboldened Armenia to continue its aggression. This impunity led to further war crimes against Azerbaijani civilians, including attacks on civilian targets during the 44-day Patriotic War.
The restoration of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity following the 2020 Patriotic War and the counter-terrorism measures of September 2023 represent a decisive victory for historical justice. The liberation of Khojaly and the initiation of legal proceedings against war criminals are crucial steps toward accountability. In this context, the Republic of Pakistan has consistently stood as a principled partner, unwavering in its support for Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. Pakistan’s prompt recognition of the Khojaly genocide, formalized through multiple resolutions in its National Assembly and Senate, and its steadfast political and moral support during the Patriotic War, are a true reflection of the deep fraternal bonds between our nations and peoples.
In the wake of this historic victory, large-scale restoration and reconstruction efforts are underway across the Karabakh and East Zangezur regions. Life is gradually returning to liberated lands, including Khojaly, which remains a profound and enduring wound in the heart of the Azerbaijani nation. The state and people of Azerbaijan ensure that the victims of the genocide are never forgotten, and their memory is honored through these efforts to rebuild and revitalize their ancestral homeland.
Azerbaijan remains firmly committed to a peace agenda and has consistently pursued measures to establish lasting stability in the region. A significant milestone was achieved with the signing of a Joint Declaration between Azerbaijan and Armenia on August 8, 2025, witnessed by the United States. The initialing of a peace agreement marks a historic step toward ending the long-standing conflict. The full establishment of peace and prosperity in the South Caucasus holds the promise of unlocking opportunities not only for the region but for the wider international community.
On the 34th anniversary of the Khojaly genocide, we bow our heads in profound sorrow and respect for the innocent victims of this tragedy. Their memory is sacred, and our pursuit of justice and lasting peace is their enduring legacy.
May Allah rest their souls in peace.
BY: Nadeem Faisal Baiga
