The high-level phone call between the two leaders, held this afternoon, underscored Pakistan’s growing regional alliances in the face of Indian hostility. PM Shehbaz lauded Azerbaijan’s “steadfast support” and described it as “yet another demonstration of his great love and affection for the people of Pakistan”.

President Aliyev, in a rare and strong diplomatic gesture, “warmly congratulated PM Shehbaz upon Pakistan’s remarkable success” and commended Islamabad’s role in defusing tensions through diplomatic maturity. He welcomed the Pakistan-India ceasefire understanding and reaffirmed that Azerbaijan remained committed to strengthening its deep-rooted brotherly ties with Pakistan.

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PM Shehbaz also thanked the “brotherly people of Azerbaijan” for their overwhelming and heartfelt support, which resonated across both nations during Pakistan’s recent stand-off with India.

The conversation also took a serious turn as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif warned President Aliyev about India’s dangerous rhetoric and aggressive behavior. The premier “expressed his concern over the recent provocative statements by the Indian leadership, and affirmed that in [the] face of any future aggression, Pakistan would resolutely defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity”.

He reminded that while Pakistan had agreed to the ceasefire in the true spirit of peace, it would never allow its peaceful intentions to be mistaken for weakness. He emphasized that the core cause of instability in South Asia is the unresolved Jammu and Kashmir dispute, and called for its resolution under UN Security Council resolutions — a demand India continues to ignore.

PM Shehbaz concluded by offering his “profound thanks to President Aliyev for his country’s steadfast and principled support to the Kashmir cause”, further cementing Azerbaijan’s position as one of Pakistan’s most trusted allies in the region.