Victims of Black January need justice, speakers
MUSLIM Institute, Islamabad, in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Islamabad organized a Round Table Discussion to commemorate Azerbaijan’s Day of Mourning and honor the martyrs of the tragic events of January 19–20, 1990, remembered as Black January.
The event, titled “Pakistan–Azerbaijan Brotherhood: Commemorating the ‘Day of Mourning’ and the Martyrs of Black January,” took place on Monday, January 19, at National Library, Islamabad. Keynote speakers included H.E. Khazar Farhadov, Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan; Prof. Zameer Awan, Diplomat and Analyst; Dr. Aalia Sohail Khan, Country Director, American Institute of Pakistan Studies (AIPS); Dr. Samina Yasmeen Amin, Chairperson, Department of Pakistan Studies, Allama Iqbal Open University; Dr. Amna Mahmood, In-Charge Female Campus, International Islamic University Islamabad; and Ms. Aynur, Head of the Azerbaijan Center, National University of Modern Languages (NUML), Islamabad.
Black January remains one of the painful chapters in Azerbaijan’s modern history. On the night of January 19–20, 1990, Soviet military forces entered Baku and other cities, resulting in the killing and injury of hundreds of unarmed civilians. This intervention constituted a violation of international law and fundamental human rights. Rather than suppressing the national movement, the tragedy strengthened the resolve of the Azerbaijani people and became a decisive turning point on the path toward the restoration of Azerbaijan’s independence in 1991.
Speakers examined the political, historical, and moral dimensions of Black January, highlighting how the sacrifice of innocent civilians laid the moral foundation for Azerbaijan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national dignity. The discussion also underscored Azerbaijan’s position that the events of January 20 merit international political and legal recognition.
Commemorating Mourning Day in Pakistan carries special meaning, symbolizing the deep-rooted and time-tested brotherhood between Pakistan and Azerbaijan. The two countries share a relationship founded on mutual respect, shared values, and a common understanding of the importance of sovereignty and independence. Pakistan and Azerbaijan have consistently supported each other’s just and legitimate positions at international forums, reflecting principled solidarity rather than political convenience, and a shared moral outlook shaped by parallel historical experiences.
Honoring the martyrs of Black January is not merely an act of remembrance; it is a reaffirmation of responsibility toward the future. Their sacrifice continues to inspire resilience, unity, and confidence, reminding the international community that lasting peace cannot be built through coercion or force, but through dialogue, justice, and adherence to international law. As Pakistan and Azerbaijan look ahead, both remain firmly committed to strengthening bilateral cooperation across diplomacy, trade, education, culture, and people-to-people exchanges believing that a strong Pakistan–Azerbaijan partnership contributes not only to shared national interests, but also to regional stability and global peace.
The gathering also brought together diplomats, scholars, policymakers, media representatives, and members of civil society to reflect on the historic significance of the tragedy and its enduring lessons.
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