Islamabad, Hilal Ahmad, December 12, AZERTAC

The people of the Republic of Azerbaijan living across the globe on December 12 every year commemorate and observe the death anniversary of National Leader Heydar Aliyev. He is considered as an architect and founder of modern Azerbaijan.

Pakistan was one of the first countries that recognized the independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan in 1991. In April, 1996, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Late Heydar Aliyev paid an official visit to Pakistan. Since then the bilateral and brotherly relations between the two countries have grown rapidly.

The incumbent President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev paid a state visit to Pakistan from 11-12 July 2024. He was accorded a warm welcome in Islamabad. President Aliyev held meetings with his Pakistani counterpart and Prime Minister. The two sides discussed all areas of mutual interest and bilateral cooperation and expressed a desire to further strengthen bilateral cooperation across the entire range of bilateral relations.

Last year, in Pakistani Capital, Islamabad, National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) unveiled Heydar Aliyev auditorium to pay homage and tribute to late National Leader of Azerbaijan on the occasion of the centenary of his birth.

During his visit to Pakistan, National Leader Heydar Aliyev had said that the Pakistani-Azerbaijani relations have a long history, both peoples maintained close relations for centuries with each other and the historical past, the similarity of traditions, languages and commitment to one religion have always called us to maintain close relations.

The late Heydar Aliyev once remarked that it was no coincidence Pakistan was among the first countries to recognize Azerbaijan's independence following the Republic's attainment of sovereignty. Even 21 years after his passing, the legacy of the visionary leader of Azerbaijan remains profoundly visible..

He was considered among the great leaders and politicians of his time, who not only built a modern and vibrant Azerbaijan but helped his countrymen to get higher education and new skills for national development. Still after his demise, the late Heydar Aliyev is alive in the hearts of the Azerbaijani people. The National Leader is a personality who created history and today he is being remembered by the people of Azerbaijan for his shining and great services to his nation. In this regard a large number of events have been organized in the Republic of Azerbaijan and other places in different continents of the world.

Today, on the 21st anniversary of the National Leader of Azerbaijan, he is being remembered by his countrymen and people of friendly nations including Pakistan. The people in large numbers are visiting his mausoleum in Baku to pay homage to the Great Leader.

Heydar Aliyev was a true legend of his time and history remembers him as a unique and powerful head of the state who played a pivotal role to build Republic of Azerbaijan as a powerful welfare state.

Under the leadership of incumbent President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, the country succeeded in the 44 day Patriotic War. The occupied territories were liberated from the occupation of Armenia in 2020. President Ilham Aliyev fulfilled the dream of his father and the National Leader by liberating the lands of Azerbaijan from occupation and now the national flag of Azerbaijan is waving in the liberated lands.