Islamabad, 18 October 2025(Kamran Raja): Today marks the 34th Anniversary of the Restoration of Independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan. On this historic day in 1991, Azerbaijan regained its independence following the collapse of the former Soviet Union, reaffirming its national sovereignty and statehood.
On 18 October 1991, the Supreme Council of the Republic of Azerbaijan adopted the Constitutional Act “On the State Independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan”. This landmark document was based on the Declaration on the Independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated 28 May 1918 and the Declaration on the Restoration of State Independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated 30 August 1991. Through this act, the Republic of Azerbaijan legally and historically restored its status as the successor of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic.
The Constitutional Act consisted of six chapters and thirty-two articles, laying the foundation for a new era of independence. On 29 December 1991, the people of Azerbaijan overwhelmingly endorsed this historic step by voting for independence and sovereignty in a nationwide referendum.
In the early years of independence, Azerbaijan faced serious internal political challenges and external aggression, particularly Armenia’s military hostilities. However, in 1993, under the leadership of Heydar Aliyev, the National Leader of Azerbaijan, the country began a determined journey of state-building, stability, and development. Strategic initiatives such as the Contract of the Century and the Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan pipeline transformed Azerbaijan into a regional energy hub with a strong global presence.
Heydar Aliyev’s visionary policies ensured rapid socio-economic growth and cemented Azerbaijan’s independent statehood. His leadership remains a defining chapter in Azerbaijan’s modern history.
Today, the political course initiated by the National Leader continues under the leadership of Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. In 2020, during the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war, Azerbaijan achieved a historic victory, liberating its occupied territories after nearly three decades. This triumph fulfilled the vision of the National Leader and restored the nation’s territorial integrity.
On 19–20 September 2023, Azerbaijan conducted anti-terrorism measures in the Karabakh region to eliminate illegal Armenian armed formations and fully restore its sovereignty. Today, the Azerbaijani national flag proudly flies across all liberated territories.
Following this historic victory, the Government of Azerbaijan has launched extensive restoration and reconstruction programs in the Karabakh and East Zangezur regions. Major infrastructure projects are underway, enabling the safe return of displaced citizens to their ancestral lands.
This year, the people of Azerbaijan celebrate the Day of Restoration of Independence as a victorious nation, having safeguarded both statehood and territorial integrity.
Pakistan has been among the first countries to recognize Azerbaijan’s independence and has consistently demonstrated strong and brotherly support. The people and leadership of Azerbaijan deeply value this historic friendship and strategic partnership with Pakistan.