Pakistan marks Azerbaijani army's 105th anniversary

The 105th anniversary of the creation of Azerbaijan's armed forces was observed in Islamabad in June.

A reception, hosted by the embassy’s military attaché Col Mehman Novruzov, was attended by officers from the three services, senior members of the government and distinguished individuals from the twin cities, The News International reports.

Azerbaijan Ambassador Khazar Farhadov, speaking at the event, emphasised the significance of the strong fraternal ties between Pakistan and his country.

Notable figures at the reception included Turkish Ambassador Mehmet Pacaci, the ambassador of Turkmenistan and the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Atadjan Movlamov.

The guests commended Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir for his statement earlier in the day, in which he assured the federal government of the army’s unwavering support in overcoming the economic crisis.

The formation of Azerbaijan's National Army began under a decree of June 26, 1918. Azerbaijan's Defence Ministry was founded on August 1. Talented general Samad bey Mehmandarov and lieutenant-general Aliagha Shikhlinski were appointed on December 25 as military minister and deputy minister respectively.

Azerbaijan on May 28 celebrated its 105th anniversary of independence.

Considered to be the first democratic republic of the Muslim East, Azerbaijan's independence was declared by the country's National Council chaired by Mammad Amin Rasulzadeh on May 18, 1918.

In a short time, reforms were carried out in the field of economy, education, freedom of religion and conscience, while equal rights were granted to all citizens.

Azerbaijan also became the first country in the Muslim East to grant women the right to vote.

The Ottoman Empire was the first state to recognise the independence of Azerbaijan, and an agreement was signed between the two states on June 4, 1918.

In this context, then-Ottoman Minister of War Enver Pasha formed an army under the command of his brother Nuri Pasha (Killigil) and sent aid to Azerbaijan.

The army called the "Islamic Army of the Caucasus" liberated Baku on September 15, 1918, after which the country's government moved there.

At the time, the Azerbaijani government operated in the city of Ganja due to Baku being under the occupation of Armenian and Bolshevik gangs.

The Azerbaijan Democratic Republic was able to maintain its independence for only 23 months, after which the Soviet army invaded the country on April 28, 1920.

Azerbaijan declared its independence again after the collapse of the Soviet Union and was constitutionally declared to be the heir of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic.