Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has congratulated Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and the people of Azerbaijan on the sixth anniversary of Victory Day, marking the country's victory in the 44-day Second Karabakh War in 2020.

In a message posted on his official X account on Sunday, the prime minister said November 8 stood as a historic testament to the courage, resolve and sacrifice of the Azerbaijani nation, which restored its territorial integrity after nearly three decades. He paid tribute to the martyrs whose sacrifices made the victory possible, DNA News Agency reported.

Mr Sharif said Pakistan was proud to have stood with Azerbaijan during the conflict and would always stand by it. He also recalled attending last year's Victory Day parade in Baku alongside President Aliyev, describing it as an honour and a reflection of the close bond between the two countries.

President Aliyev replied to the message the same day, thanking the prime minister for his congratulations. He said November 8 marked the liberation of Azerbaijan's lands and the end of nearly three decades of occupation, adding that Pakistan's unwavering solidarity was deeply valued and that Mr Sharif's presence at last year's Victory Parade in Baku was further proof of the enduring friendship between the two nations.

Pakistan was among the countries that backed Azerbaijan during the 2020 war, and the two governments have since deepened cooperation across defence, trade and energy. The exchange of messages underlined that the relationship remains a priority for Islamabad, with the prime minister wishing the Azerbaijani people progress, stability, peace and prosperity.