By Adnan Hameed
TWA
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The Azerbaijani Embassy in Pakistan, in collaboration with the Muslim Institute, hosted a seminar at the National Library of Pakistan to commemorate the 32nd anniversary of the Khojaly Genocide on 27th February 2024. The event brought together distinguished guests, including Senator Mushahid Husayn Syed, Chairman of the Defence Committee of the Pakistani Senate, and Senator Walid Iqbal, Chairman of the Human Rights Committee.
The solemn occasion began with a minute of silence to honor the 613 innocent victims of the Khojaly Genocide, followed by the screening of a video providing comprehensive information about the tragic event. Ambassador Khazar Farhadov highlighted the continuous challenges faced by Azerbaijan due to the policy of ethnic cleansing, genocide, and aggression by Armenian nationalists.
Ambassador Farhadov underscored the significance of National Leader Heydar Aliyev’s initiative, which led to the political and legal assessment of the Khojaly Genocide in 1994. He emphasized that February 26 was declared Khojaly Genocide Day, and the truth about the tragedy was conveyed to the international community.
The ambassador also shed light on the “Justice to Khojaly!” international campaign initiated by Leyla Aliyeva, Vice President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation. Recognition of the Khojaly tragedy as genocide by various countries, including Pakistan, was highlighted during the event.
Addressing the recent developments, Ambassador Farhadov commended the Azerbaijani Army, under President Ilham Aliyev’s leadership, for ending the Armenian occupation during the 44-day Patriotic War. He informed the audience about President Aliyev’s visit to Khojaly in 2023 and emphasized the ongoing restoration and construction works in the liberated territories.
Senator Mushahid Huseyin Seyed and Senator Walid Iqbal expressed their condemnation of the Khojaly Genocide, emphasizing Pakistan’s solidarity with Azerbaijan. They praised President Ilham Aliyev’s wise policy for restoring territorial integrity and sovereignty.
International speakers, including the Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan Mehmet Pacacı and experts from various institutes, called upon the international community to condemn Armenia for the heinous acts committed during the Khojaly Genocide.
The event concluded with a call for continued efforts towards justice, peace, and the return of displaced residents through the Great Return program in 2024.
