Baku, September 28, AZERTAC

In an exclusive interview with AZERTAC, on the sixth anniversary of the start of the 44-day Patriotic War, Fatima Tuz Zehra, President of The Gulf Observer Research Forum and Editor-in-Chief of The Gulf Observer, spoke about the significance of September 27, Azerbaijan's reconstruction of its liberated lands, the peace process with Armenia, and the enduring brotherhood between Pakistan and Azerbaijan.

- Ms. Zehra, today marks six years since the start of the 44-day Patriotic War. How do you view the significance of this date?

- September 27 is a turning point not only in Azerbaijan's history but also in the history of the entire South Caucasus. It is a day of remembrance and of national pride. On this day in 2020, the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan launched retaliatory actions in response to yet another military provocation by Armenia. What followed restored Azerbaijan's territorial integrity and changed the course of the region. For the people of Azerbaijan, it is a day to honor the courage of their soldiers and the resolve of their leadership, and for friends of Azerbaijan around the world, including in Pakistan, it is a day to share in that pride.

- How would you characterize the legal and moral basis of Azerbaijan's actions in 2020?

- Azerbaijan acted under its inherent right to self-defense and in full accordance with international humanitarian law. The purpose was clear: to halt continuing military aggression and to protect a civilian population that had lived for decades under the shadow of occupation. It is important to remember that the UN Security Council adopted resolutions in 1993 calling for the withdrawal of occupying forces, yet those resolutions remained unenforced for almost three decades. Azerbaijan implemented them through its own strength and determination. In that sense, the Patriotic War gave practical meaning to the principle of international justice.

- What role did the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev play in this outcome?

- A decisive one. The victory was achieved through the bravery and professionalism of the Azerbaijani Army under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev as Supreme Commander-in-Chief. His steady leadership during the war, and the diplomacy that followed it, opened a new chapter for Azerbaijan. Leadership is tested not only on the battlefield but also in what comes after, and President Ilham Aliyev has shown vision in both.

- Pakistan was among the first countries to voice clear support for Azerbaijan during the Second Garabagh War. How do you see that solidarity today?

- Pakistan stood firmly by Azerbaijan's side throughout this struggle. The clear political support and unambiguous statements from Pakistan's senior leadership gave the Azerbaijani people added strength and confidence at a critical moment. This was not a matter of diplomatic convenience. It reflects a deep brotherly bond rooted in shared faith, shared history and mutual respect. That same bond continues to shape a close strategic partnership between our two nations today, and I believe it will only grow stronger.

- In September 2023, Azerbaijan conducted anti-terrorist measures in the Garabagh region. What did that operation mean?

- The measures carried out on September 19–20, 2023, completed within 24 hours, ended the presence of illegal Armenian armed formations and restored Azerbaijan's full sovereignty over all its territories. It closed the final chapter of occupation. At the same time, the liberation of these lands revealed the true scale of the damage done over three decades: widespread mining, the deliberate destruction and appropriation of historical, cultural and religious heritage, the plundering of natural resources and the ruin of infrastructure. Azerbaijan has presented this evidence to the international community, and its call for accountability under international humanitarian and human rights law deserves serious attention.

- The reconstruction of Garabagh and East Zangezur is often described as one of the most ambitious programs in Azerbaijan's modern history. What stands out to you?

- What stands out is the speed and the spirit of it. Immediately after victory, Azerbaijan began building new roads, airports, power networks, residential areas and public services from the ground up. Under the "Great Return" program, thousands of families have already returned to the native lands they were forced to leave a generation ago. Towns and villages that stood in ruins are coming back to life. To me, this is the most powerful message of all: a nation that chose to rebuild rather than dwell on loss.

- On August 8, 2025, President Ilham Aliyev and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed a Joint Declaration in Washington and initialed the text of a peace agreement. How significant is this step?

- It is a historic milestone. Victory on the battlefield has been matched by a determined pursuit of peace, and Azerbaijan has consistently advanced that agenda in the belief that stability and prosperity can only be secured through dialogue and partnership. The signing of the Joint Declaration, witnessed by the United States, and the initialing of the peace agreement mark a significant step toward ending one of the longest-running conflicts in the post-Soviet space.

- What opportunities does peace open up for the wider region, including countries like Pakistan?

- The opportunities extend well beyond Azerbaijan and Armenia. New transport and trade corridors linking Asia and Europe can transform the South Caucasus from a zone of conflict into a hub of connectivity and commerce. That benefits the wider geography, from Central Asia to Europe and beyond. Pakistan shares Azerbaijan's vision of regional integration, and as these corridors develop, there is real potential for deeper economic, trade and people-to-people ties between our countries.

- Finally, what message would you like to share with the people of Azerbaijan on this day?

- First, I join the people of Azerbaijan in honoring, with deep respect and gratitude, the memory of the martyrs who gave their lives for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of their homeland. Their sacrifice made this historic victory possible, and their legacy lives on in every rebuilt home, every family that has returned, and every step toward a peaceful future. Six years on, Azerbaijan stands as a nation that restored its sovereignty, is rebuilding its liberated lands with vision and energy, and is extending a hand of peace to its neighbors. That is a record worth recognizing. From Pakistan, and on behalf of The Gulf Observer Research Forum, we stand with our Azerbaijani brothers and sisters today and always.