Interview with Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to the Republic of Azerbaijan, Qasim Mohiuddin, to APA
The South Caucasus has always been a bridge connecting East and West, as well as North and South
- Cənubi Qafqazda yeni geosiyasi reallıqlar formalaşmaqdadır. Regional təhlükəsizliklə bağlı Bakı və İslamabad arasında hansı məsləhətləşmələr aparılır?
- The South Caucasus has always served as a bridge connecting East and West, as well as North and South. Pakistan highly appreciates the important role played by Azerbaijan in promoting peace, stability, connectivity, and economic development in this strategically significant region. Relations between Pakistan and Azerbaijan are characterized by mutual respect, affection, and trust. We stand together on all issues of mutual interest, both at the bilateral and multilateral levels.
There are institutional cooperation mechanisms between our countries. Our officials draw strength from the strategic vision of our leaders, who are committed to further strengthening the solid brotherly ties between our nations. On this basis, our experts continuously explore opportunities in various areas, including increasing bilateral trade and investment, cooperation in energy and defense, as well as expanding tourism and people-to-people contacts.
Pakistan has established diplomatic relations with Armenia
- At what stage is the Pakistan–Armenia normalization process? Is there any concrete progress regarding the opening of embassies, high-level visits, or the establishment of institutional cooperation mechanisms?
- Pakistan has always stood by Azerbaijan on this highly important issue and did not establish diplomatic relations with Armenia from the very first day. This was due to our sincere and unwavering solidarity with Azerbaijan over the occupation of Karabakh. When Karabakh was liberated, everyone in Pakistan celebrated together with their Azerbaijani brothers and sisters. We are also pleased to observe the large-scale and unprecedented development process underway in the Karabakh region. This is truly a manifestation of the wise leadership of Mr. President Ilham Aliyev and the resilience of the courageous Azerbaijani people.
Pakistan highly appreciates the historic understanding reached between Azerbaijan and Armenia in Washington in August last year. The President and the honorable Prime Minister discussed this positive development immediately after the Washington summit. Following the achievement of this historic agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, Pakistan established diplomatic relations with Armenia. This positive development will undoubtedly bring not only lasting peace but also unprecedented economic growth and prosperity, while further enhancing connectivity in the region and beyond.
India has maintained its aggressive stance and continues to issue threatening statements
- Tensions continue in Pakistan–India relations. How does official Islamabad assess the current risks of escalation?
-Pakistan remains committed to friendly relations with all its neighbors in South Asia, based on the principles of lasting peace, mutual respect, sovereign equality, and peaceful coexistence. In May 2025, India carried out an unprovoked act of aggression against Pakistan. Pakistan condemned the attack, and the honorable Prime Minister proposed a neutral, transparent, and independent investigation into the incident.
India did not respond positively either to Pakistan or to the calls of the broader international community. Even opposition parties and large segments of Indian society questioned the Modi regime’s false narrative. Between May 7–10, 2025, India struck civilian and military targets inside Pakistan, thereby violating our sovereignty and the UN Charter. In response to this unlawful and irresponsible action, Pakistan exercised its right to self-defense under the UN Charter and carried out the “Bunyan-um-Marsoos” operation, delivering a measured, strictly military response while paying particular attention to avoiding civilian casualties. The Pakistan Armed Forces successfully neutralized Indian fighter jets, drones, and other military assets. This fact has even been acknowledged by Indian military leadership. However, despite the ceasefire reached on May 10, 2025, India has maintained its aggressive posture and continues to issue threatening statements. India’s chauvinistic rhetoric and war hysteria should be a matter of serious concern for the international community. A clear manifestation of India’s hostile approach is the Modi regime’s dangerous decision, since April 2025, to unilaterally and illegally suspend the Indus Waters Treaty.
The Kashmir dispute remains one of the world’s longest unresolved international issues and has been on the agenda of the UN Security Council since 1948. In 2019, the Modi regime violated the UN Charter and UN Security Council resolutions by taking steps aimed at altering the demographic and political situation. Independent and credible international reports have expressed concern about serious human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, as well as persecution of religious minorities by the Modi regime. While Pakistan remains ready for comprehensive dialogue to resolve all outstanding issues, there should be no doubt about our firm resolve to defend our sovereignty and territorial integrity. For the sake of the region and the broader international community, I hope that the current leadership in India will adopt a more prudent approach.
The trilateral format between Pakistan, Azerbaijan, and Türkiye remains active
- The Azerbaijan–Türkiye–Pakistan trilateral cooperation has taken shape as a strategic format in recent years. Is a new trilateral meeting planned in the near future?
- The trilateral format between Pakistan, Azerbaijan, and Türkiye remains active. Let me recall that in May last year, the leaders of Azerbaijan, Pakistan, and Türkiye met in the city of Lachin. Additionally, the three leaders met again in July last year in the city of Khankendi on the sidelines of the 17th ECO Summit. In November last year, the Prime Minister of Pakistan and Chief of Army Staff participated in the military parade in Baku marking the 5th anniversary of Victory Day. Thus, within the trilateral framework, engagements continue regularly at both the leaders’ and foreign ministers’ levels. These contacts ensure sustained coordination and dialogue on matters of mutual interest. Regional security, strengthening connectivity, promoting trade and investment, and other areas remain key discussion topics regularly addressed by the leaders of the three brotherly countries.
Islamabad is also deeply concerned about Iran; the region cannot withstand more conflict
- How does Pakistan assess the current situation amid recent regional developments around Iran, rising tensions in the Middle East, and increasing international pressure?
- Pakistan is a neighbor of Iran. We share more than 900 kilometers of common border, and our countries have historical brotherly relations rooted in religious and cultural ties. Islamabad, like all other regional partners, is deeply concerned. Any conflict in itself is dangerous. The consequences of past conflicts in Afghanistan have not yet been fully overcome, and the country has once again become a hub for externally funded terrorists.
There is evidence of the Indian government financing and training terrorists. These India-backed terrorists pose a threat not only to Pakistan but to the security of all neighboring countries and create a serious risk of exporting terrorism beyond the region. Therefore, our region cannot withstand further instability and conflict. Pakistan, like its regional and international partners, is making diplomatic efforts and advocating for diplomacy to prevail over military confrontation. We also welcome the continuation of negotiations between the parties and sincerely hope that a diplomatic solution will be found.
