Baku, September 17, AZERTAC

The year 2025 is being celebrated as the “Year of Constitution and Sovereignty” in the Republic of Azerbaijan. This year is of great importance for the country as it is celebrating two pivotal milestones i.e., the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan in 1995, and the 5th anniversary of the country’s victory in the Patriotic War of 2020. Together, these events reflect the dual foundations of Azerbaijan’s modern statehood—its rule of law, embodied in the Constitution, and its hard-fought independence, regained through bold leadership and military victory under His Excellency President Ilham Aliyev.

The 1995 Constitution was in itself a turning point of Azerbaijani history. Drafted under the leadership of President Heydar Aliyev, it provided a stable foundation for governance, the protection of citizens’ rights, and the institutionalization of national sovereignty. By declaring 2025 to be the Year of Constitution and Sovereignty, the authorities aim to emphasize that these two ideas are still the foundations of the state of Azerbaijan. It is not a symbolic act only. The President has signed off on a detailed Action Plan to turn this declaration into real initiatives like forums, open debates, training programs, and reforms designed to strengthen the rule of law and reinforce state structures. The Constitutional Court, Milli Majlis, and other national institutions have already contributed to this effort, highlighting the very centrality of the Constitution in Azerbaijan’s political and legal life.

Sovereignty Restored: Victory in the Patriotic War

Focus on sovereignty is equally important. For almost three decades, a fifth of Azerbaijan's internationally recognized territory was under Armenia’s occupation, something that served as a reminder of the nation's incomplete independence. That situation changed in 2020, when Azerbaijan won the Patriotic War. Under the strong and far-sighted leadership of His Excellency President Ilham Aliyev, the nation regained its territorial integrity and reasserted its sovereignty according to international law. The liberation of the occupied lands not only realized a national dream long held, but also proved that Azerbaijan, relying on its own resources, was able to maintain justice where international mechanisms proved ineffective. This achievement is rightly regarded as one of the greatest successes of His Excellency President Aliyev’s presidency as for the first time in three decades, the Azerbaijani state exercises sovereignty over its entire territory.

The years following the war have established a new era for Azerbaijan. After regaining control of its territories, the nation has initiated one of the most ambitious reintegration and reconstruction programs in the post-Soviet realm. Cities such as Shusha, Fuzuli, Aghdam, and Zangilan are being rebuilt with new infrastructure, smart city technology, airports, and highway networks. Formerly displaced persons are being prepared to go back to their native places in security and dignity, ending one of the globe's longest internal displacement crises. This huge government-driven campaign is directly overseen by President Aliyev and represents the power to transform disfigured sovereignty: what was once a conflict area is now being transformed into a dynamic part of Azerbaijan's future.

Building the Future: Reconstruction, Geopolitics, and National Vision

The post-war scenario has also changed Azerbaijan's geopolitical position. Victorious in war and firm in peace, Baku has emerged as a determining regional force. It has proved that sovereignty is not negotiable and that Azerbaijan will defend its rights if need be. This has not only raised national self-confidence but also elevated Azerbaijan's status internationally. By grounding its actions on international law and by tying its domestic rule to constitutional values, Azerbaijan presents itself as a modern, strong, and legitimate state. His Excellency President Aliyev has successfully positioned the country as a reliable regional player, negotiating between neighbors and world powers while protecting national interests.

By declaring 2025 as the Year of Constitution and Sovereignty, therefore, Azerbaijan pursues multiple objectives. It ties together the memory of constitutional statehood and the lived experience of sovereignty restored after decades of resistance. It reminds the people of the sacrifices made in the war and the importance of consolidating peace through law, reconstruction, and national unity. It teaches the younger generation what independence and sovereignty are, instilling pride in the legal system of the state as well as in the bravery of the Azerbaijani troops. And it highlights President Ilham Aliyev's key role as the defender of sovereignty and constitutional order, a man who brought victory in war and now leads the nation towards prosperity in peace.

Challenges exist, of course. The newly liberated areas need huge investment, the repatriation of refugees needs to be handled carefully, and war wounds will heal in due course. But Azerbaijan is tackling these with determination and confidence, driven by sound leadership and national solidarity. The declaration of 2025 as the Year of Constitution and Sovereignty provides the framework for addressing these issues not just as organizational tasks but as part of an overall vision of creating a sovereign, constitutional, and modern state for the benefit of all its citizens.

The year 2025 is the perfect moment for this celebration, full of meaning and relevance. It emphasizes the continuity between the constitutional foundations laid three decades ago, restored sovereignty on the battlefield, and reconstruction efforts defining the future. With President Ilham Aliyev's leadership, Azerbaijan has proven itself capable of safeguarding its rights, upholding its constitution, and reshaping its destiny. The Year of Constitution and Sovereignty will not only commemorate these achievements, but also instill faith that the Azerbaijani state, sovereign and united, is embarking on a new stage of power, stability, and development.

By Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram, Executive Director, Pakistan Research Center for a Community with Shared Future (PRCCSF), Islamabad