Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif delivered a powerful address at Azerbaijan's Victory Day parade on Saturday, emphatically stating that Pakistan, alongside its Azerbaijani and Turkish brothers, seeks peace but will never allow any challenge to its sovereignty or territorial integrity.
Trilateral Brotherhood Celebrated
The Prime Minister described Pakistan, Turkiye, and Azerbaijan as three brothers whose hearts beat together, standing shoulder to shoulder during the momentous occasion. He expressed particular pride in witnessing Pakistani armed forces marching beside their Azerbaijani and Turkish counterparts, while JF-17 Thunder jets dominated the skies above.
"What a proud and scintillating sight it is to witness, our valiant armed forces, marching beside their Azerbaijani and Turkish brothers," PM Shehbaz remarked, highlighting the JF-17 Thunder jets as a resounding symbol of enduring friendship that has strengthened over years.
Historical Military Cooperation
PM Shehbaz recalled that earlier this year on August 14, Azerbaijani and Turkish military contingents had marched alongside Pakistani Armed Forces in Islamabad during celebrations commemorating their historic victory in the four-day war with India. The event drew tremendous applause from spectators.
The Prime Minister reflected on Azerbaijan's liberation of Karabakh five years ago, noting that Pakistan stood firmly with Azerbaijan throughout their liberation struggle. He praised the courageous sons of Azerbaijan under President Ilham Aliyev's leadership for responding to history's call and liberating their ancestral lands.
Regional Significance and Future Aspirations
PM Shehbaz described Azerbaijan's victory in Karabakh as a beacon of hope for all nations striving for sovereignty and self-determination, including the people of Gaza and Indian-Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
He highlighted how during Pakistan's four-day war with India in May this year, Azerbaijan and Turkiye stood firmly with Pakistan. Under Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir's command, Pakistan's armed forces delivered what he described as a "precise and highly effective military punch" that stunned the enemy, while Air-Chief Marshal Zaheer Baber Sidhu's air force hawks shot down seven sophisticated enemy aircraft.
Looking toward the future, the Prime Minister expressed optimism about the return of displaced families to Karabakh and praised the astounding reconstruction speed in Shusha, Khankendi, Fuzuli, Lachin, and other liberated territories.
He also commended President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's transformative leadership in Turkiye and acknowledged US President Donald J Trump's role in brokering ceasefire between Pakistan and India, thereby restoring peace in South Asia.
The Prime Minister concluded by praying for Azeri martyrs and expressing hope that the three brotherly nations would continue marching toward progress and prosperity. President Ilham Aliyev, in his remarks, thanked Pakistan and Turkiye for their support during the 44-day war, emphasizing that their military presence in the parade demonstrated unity, brotherhood, and friendship.
