ISLAMABAD, May 14 (APP):Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Pakistan, Khazar Farhadov, said Azerbaijan proudly celebrates the 108th anniversary of its independence and the establishment of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic on May 28, 1918, the first secular republic in the Muslim East. Addressing a reception held in a local hotel in Islamabad to mark Azerbaijan’s Independence Day, the ambassador said the historic occasion symbolizes the restoration of sovereignty as …
Azerbaijan marks 108th,Independence Day in Islamabad: Ambassador Farhadov highlights nation’s sovereignty, Progress

ISLAMABAD, May 14 (APP):Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Pakistan, Khazar Farhadov, said Azerbaijan proudly celebrates the 108th anniversary of its independence and the establishment of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic on May 28, 1918, the first secular republic in the Muslim East.
Addressing a reception held in a local hotel in Islamabad to mark Azerbaijan’s Independence Day, the ambassador said the historic occasion symbolizes the restoration of sovereignty as well as the enduring spirit of resilience, sacrifice, and commitment to progress that defines the Azerbaijani people.
He said that within a remarkably short period, Azerbaijan succeeded in establishing its first parliament and government, determining national borders, adopting state symbols, and implementing fundamental state-building reforms, said a release issued here on Thursday.
Ambassador Farhadov stated that significant achievements were also made in strengthening the republic’s position in international relations and safeguarding national interests.
He noted that although the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic existed for only 23 months, it played a crucial role in shaping democratic values and traditions of national statehood, while laying a strong foundation for Azerbaijan’s future independence by fostering the ideals of freedom and sovereignty.
The ambassador said the Republic of Azerbaijan restored its independence in 1991 and preserved its sovereignty under the visionary leadership of National Leader Heydar Aliyev.
He added that today, under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan continues to uphold and strengthen the legacy of Heydar Aliyev.
Referring to regional developments, Ambassador Farhadov said that in 2020, under President Ilham Aliyev’s leadership as Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces, Azerbaijan liberated its internationally recognized territories from what he termed nearly 30 years of Armenian occupation, implementing four UN Security Council resolutions adopted in 1993.
He further said that on September 19, 2023, the Azerbaijani Army conducted an anti-terror operation in the Karabakh economic region to prevent further provocations and restore constitutional order.
According to the ambassador, the operation lasted 23 hours and restored Azerbaijan’s sovereignty across all its territories.
The envoy highlighted that large-scale urbanization and reconstruction projects are underway in the Karabakh and East Zangazur regions, aimed at creating modern, sustainable, and smart communities to facilitate the return of formerly displaced persons to their ancestral lands.
Ambassador Farhadov also announced that 2026 has been declared the “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture” in Azerbaijan, reflecting the country’s commitment to sustainable urban development, environmental harmony, and smart cities.
In this regard, he informed participants that Azerbaijan will host the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in the coming days.
The ambassador further noted that Azerbaijan has successfully chaired several major international organizations and events over recent years, including the UN Security Council, the Non-Aligned Movement, the Organization of Turkic States, ECO, and COP29.
Welcoming guests to the reception, Ambassador Farhadov said the event was dedicated to celebrating the Independence Day of the Republic of Azerbaijan.


