Azerbaijan Marks 34 Years of Restored Independence as Nation Celebrates Victory and Full Sovereignty
Islamabad — The Republic of Azerbaijan today celebrates the 34th anniversary of the restoration of its independence, marking a historic journey from Soviet subjugation to a fully sovereign and victorious nation. On 18 October 1991, the Supreme Council of Azerbaijan adopted the Constitutional Act “On the State Independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan”, reaffirming the country’s legal and political succession from the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic of 1918.
The act, comprising six chapters and thirty-two articles, formally declared Azerbaijan’s return to independence following the collapse of the USSR. Later that year, on 29 December 1991, the people of Azerbaijan overwhelmingly endorsed this independence in a nationwide referendum, cementing their commitment to sovereignty and self-determination.
However, the early years of freedom were marked by instability, internal strife, and Armenia’s aggression, which gravely hindered state-building efforts. It was not until 1993, with the return of National Leader Heydar Aliyev, that Azerbaijan began to stabilize. Under his leadership, the nation rebuilt its state institutions, revived its economy, and reasserted its presence on the global stage.
Heydar Aliyev’s legacy remains deeply woven into Azerbaijan’s national identity. His policies led to major international achievements, including the Contract of the Century and the Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan oil pipeline, which transformed Azerbaijan into a key player in global energy markets. Through his foresight and leadership, the foundations of a strong, modern, and independent Azerbaijan were laid.
Today, his vision continues under President Ilham Aliyev, who has carried forward his father’s mission with decisive leadership. Under President Ilham Aliyev’s command, Azerbaijan achieved a historic military victory in the 44-day Patriotic War of 2020, liberating territories that had been under Armenian occupation for nearly three decades.
In September 2023, Azerbaijan completed its sovereignty restoration through counter-terrorism operations in the Karabakh region, successfully eliminating illegal armed formations and asserting full control over its internationally recognized borders. The Azerbaijani flag now waves proudly across the liberated lands, symbolizing both freedom and unity.
Following the victory, the government launched large-scale reconstruction and development projects in Karabakh and East Zangezur, enabling the return of displaced citizens to their ancestral homes. Roads, schools, hospitals, and energy infrastructure are being rebuilt at record speed — a testament to the nation’s resilience and commitment to renewal.
This year’s Independence Day is being celebrated with renewed pride, as Azerbaijan stands as a victorious nation that has not only reclaimed its territory but also reinforced its position as a regional power of peace, progress, and prosperity.
In his Independence Day message, officials emphasized that Pakistan was among the first countries to recognize Azerbaijan’s independence, and has consistently stood beside Baku in its quest for sovereignty and development — a bond reflecting enduring friendship and brotherhood between the two nations.
