Islamabad event pays tribute to victims of Azerbaijan’s January 20 tragedy PHOTO

The National University of Modern Languages (NUML) in Islamabad hosted a memorial event to honour the victims of the January 20 tragedy, a defining moment in Azerbaijan's fight for independence.

Azerbaijani Ambassador to Pakistan, Khazar Farkhadov, attended the event as a guest of honour, Caliber.Az reports via Pakistani media.

Organized by the Centre for Azerbaijani Language and Culture, the event commemorated the Black January tragedy, symbolizing Azerbaijan’s resilience and struggle for sovereignty.

During his visit, Ambassador Farkhadov met with NUML Rector, retired Major General Shahid Mahmud Kayani, and other senior officials. The discussions highlighted the historical friendship between Pakistan and Azerbaijan and explored avenues for academic cooperation, including potential university exchange programs between the two nations.

The event featured poetry recitations and speeches from students and faculty, expressing solidarity with Azerbaijan. Ambassador Farhadov extended his gratitude to Pakistan for its unwavering support of Azerbaijan, stating that the memory of Black January victims serves as a source of inspiration for defending the country's independence and sovereignty.

Black January refers to the tragic events of January 19-20, 1990, when Soviet forces, without declaring a state of emergency, launched a brutal crackdown on the Azerbaijani people. The military operations resulted in 147 deaths, 744 injuries, and the illegal detention of 841 individuals. Additionally, 200 apartments and other properties were destroyed during the assault.

Recognized as a pivotal and heroic chapter in Azerbaijan's history, January 20 is observed as the Day of National Mourning, a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made in the struggle for freedom and independence.

By Tamilla Hasanova