Pakistan–Azerbaijan Brotherhood Reaffirmed as Black January Martyrs Remembered in Islamabad

Islamabad: MUSLIM Institute, Islamabad, in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan, organized a Round Table Discussion to commemorate Azerbaijan’s Day of Mourning and pay tribute to the martyrs of the tragic events of January 19–20, 1990, known as Black January.The event, titled “Pakistan–Azerbaijan Brotherhood: Commemorating the Day of Mourning and the Martyrs of Black January,” was held on Monday at the National Library, Islamabad. Prominent speakers included H.E. Khazar Farhadov, Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Pakistan; Prof. Zameer Awan, diplomat and analyst; Dr. Aalia Sohail Khan, Country Director AIPS; Dr. Samina Yasmeen Amin, Chairperson Pakistan Studies Department, AIOU; Dr. Amna Mahmood, In-Charge Female Campus, IIUI; and Ms. Aynur, Head of Azerbaijan Center, NUML Islamabad.Speakers highlighted that Black January remains one of the most painful chapters in Azerbaijan’s modern history. On the night of January 19–20, 1990, Soviet forces entered Baku and other cities, killing and injuring hundreds of unarmed civilians in a grave violation of international law and fundamental human rights. The tragedy, however, strengthened the determination of the Azerbaijani people and became a defining moment leading to the restoration of Azerbaijan’s independence in 1991.The discussion examined the political, historical, and moral dimensions of Black January, emphasizing that the sacrifices of innocent civilians laid the moral foundation for Azerbaijan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national dignity. Speakers stressed that the events of January 20 deserve international political and legal recognition.Marking Azerbaijan’s Mourning Day in Pakistan was described as a powerful symbol of the deep-rooted and time-tested brotherhood between the two nations. Pakistan and Azerbaijan share common values, mutual respect, and a strong commitment to sovereignty and independence, consistently supporting each other’s just positions at international forums.Participants noted that honoring the martyrs of Black January is not only an act of remembrance but also a commitment to justice, peace, and dialogue. The speakers reaffirmed that Pakistan and Azerbaijan will continue to strengthen bilateral cooperation in diplomacy, trade, education, culture, and people-to-people contacts, contributing to regional stability and global peace.The event was attended by diplomats, scholars, policymakers, media professionals, and civil society members, who reflected on the historic significance of Black January and its enduring lessons for the international community.