Pakistan deeply values Azerbaijan’s support during Marka-e-Haq: Shaza Fatima

ISLAMABAD, Nov 04 (APP): Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja has said that Pakistan deeply values Azerbaijan’s support during Marka-e-Haq, expressing gratitude for the country’s continued solidarity.

Addressing a ceremony marking the sixth anniversary of Azerbaijan’s Victory Day, she said relations between Pakistan and Azerbaijan had grown beyond traditional diplomatic ties into a broad partnership.

The two countries were cooperating in trade, investment, energy, connectivity, defence and information technology.

She said Pakistan-Azerbaijan relations were based on mutual trust, respect and shared values. The occasion reflected the strong friendship and solidarity between the two countries.

Shaza Fatima said Pakistan took pride in the growing cooperation with Azerbaijan in the digital sector.

She described the inauguration of the Asaan Khidmat Service Centre in Islamabad this year, established with Azerbaijan’s cooperation, as a special gift from Azerbaijan’s president to Pakistan.

She said the centre reflected the vision of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

During his tenure as Punjab chief minister, he had established several facilitation centres where citizens could access multiple services under one roof.

She recalled that during his visit to Baku last year, Shehbaz Sharif visited Azerbaijan’s Service Centre. During the visit, President Ilham Aliyev and the prime minister agreed to establish a similar facility in Islamabad as a symbol of friendship between the two countries.

Following the agreement, the Azerbaijan Asaan Khidmat Service Centre was established in Sector G-9, Islamabad, in record time, she said.

The minister invited the Azerbaijani ambassador to visit the centre and offered to accompany him.

She said Pakistan wanted to expand the network of such centres to Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and other parts of the country. This would help citizens access quality public services under one roof.

Referring to the memorandum of understanding signed between Pakistan and Azerbaijan in July 2024 on information and communication technologies, she said both countries had made progress in this sector and were committed to expanding cooperation.

Shaza Fatima also appreciated the role of former Azerbaijani ambassador Hazar Farhadov in strengthening bilateral relations.

She expressed confidence that ties would reach new heights under the leadership of the new ambassador.

Referring to last year’s conflict between Pakistan and India, known as Marka-e-Haq, the minister said Pakistan’s armed forces had defended the country with courage and determination under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.

She said Pakistan’s success and the sacrifices made by its armed forces reflected national unity, determination and defence capabilities.

The minister expressed special gratitude to Azerbaijan for supporting Pakistan during Marka-e-Haq, saying Islamabad deeply valued its solidarity.

She said Pakistan appreciated Azerbaijan’s continued support throughout the year, not just during last year’s events.

She also said the prime minister, the chief of defence forces and other national leaders had played their role in promoting global peace and addressing the complex geopolitical situation.

Pakistan took pride in having brotherly countries like Azerbaijan stand by it while respecting international law and the principles of global peace, she added.

Shaza Fatima said both countries would work to strengthen their economic partnership and expand cooperation in defence, information technology and emerging sectors. This would allow people of both countries to benefit from their growing ties.

She congratulated Azerbaijan’s leadership and people on the sixth anniversary of Victory Day. She also wished the country continued peace, progress and prosperity.

She expressed confidence that Pakistan and Azerbaijan would further strengthen their relations for the benefit of their people.
The minister also welcomed Azerbaijan’s ambassador to Pakistan and concluded her address with the slogans: “Long Live Pakistan-Azerbaijan Friendship” and “Pakistan-Azerbaijan Friendship Zindabad.”