Pakistan’s DND news agency has published an article on Azerbaijan-Pakistan relations titled “Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos: Thank you Azerbaijan.” AZERTAC presents the article written by Hina Haroon.

“When I visited Baku for the first time last year, I felt that the people of Lahore and Baku were like twins. The love, respect, and sense of ‘us’ were present everywhere. A cup of chai in Multan Sairay Baku represents the enduring historical bonds, and every Azerbaijani expresses affection for Pakistan, considering it a brotherly country.

Azerbaijan is a nation that always stands by Pakistan—whether in the face of earthquakes or floods. These ties are built on strong foundations laid by the late National Leader Heydar Aliyev, and today, his son, President Ilham Aliyev, is preserving them. Official records show that the visit of President Heydar Aliyev to Pakistan on April 10, 1996, marked a turning point in history. During his press conference, he stated that he felt Pakistan was his second home. Pakistan, in a strong gesture of solidarity, has never recognized Armenia as an independent state—condemning Armenian aggression against Azerbaijan. Every Pakistani wants to protect the honour of every Azerbaijani, and vice versa.

There’s a saying that wars reveal who your true friends are. My country recently went through such a test when neighbouring India launched aggression against Pakistan. The event was historic—after the 1971 war, India once again crossed international boundaries and attacked Punjab with missiles, ignoring the fact that Pakistan is a producer of indigenous missiles and fighter jets such as the JF-17 Thunder. India’s “Operation Sindoor” was dismantled within 11 hours, as Pakistan launched its counterattack—“Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos.”

What happened on the battlefield during those 11 hours is not the focus of my article, as I am not a defence analyst. I simply wish to say—Thank you, Azerbaijan—for the strong, consistent, and unwavering support you always show for Pakistan, whether for the Kashmir cause or in the face of Indian aggression. The Government of Azerbaijan, through its Embassy in Islamabad, announced its full support for Pakistan on May 9, reiterating its firm stance during these challenging times.

While Islamabad received clear and strong support from Azerbaijan, a Turkish naval ship, TCG Büyükada, arrived in Karachi to strengthen maritime cooperation. These developments once again affirm the Azerbaijan–Pakistan–Türkiye triangle, a partnership grounded in peace and trilateral diplomacy. The three nations regularly conduct joint military exercises, share strategic plans, and extend support whenever and wherever needed.

Pakistan has military ties with several countries, but do they stand with Pakistan on the Kashmir issue like Azerbaijan and Türkiye do—shoulder to shoulder in every difficult moment on the diplomatic front? The answer is simply no. So, what makes these relationships unique and transforms them into a united front in diplomacy?

Focusing on Azerbaijan and Pakistan, I believe their bond goes beyond strategic interests. Some analysts say Azerbaijan supports Pakistan on Kashmir in return for Pakistan’s unwavering stance on Karabakh and its role in UNSC resolutions. But even after Azerbaijan’s victory in the 44-day Patriotic War and the liberation of Karabakh, its support for Pakistan continues. From what I have seen and felt while meeting Azerbaijanis, this relationship is built on mutual love, trust, and respect. There are no hidden agendas or ill intentions. Both nations desire a safe, sovereign, and prosperous future—and both know they can rely on one another.

I eagerly await the next opportunity to meet my Azerbaijani friends in Baku and say to them once again: Thank you, Azerbaijan.”