Category: Azer News

Pakistan on Saturday reopened the Torkham border crossing in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa for Afghan refugees returning to their country, ending a nearly two-week closure following deadly clashes between border forces last month, Azernews reports, citing Tribune.

Meanwhile, nearly 10,700 individuals returned through the Chaman border in a single day as authorities expanded the process to the crossing.

The repatriation of Afghan families with or without any travel or identity documents was abruptly suspended on October 11 following border clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan, which continued for days before a ceasefire was formalised in Doha on October 19.

Pakistan had closed all its borders with Afghanistan for all types of movement. Since then, a large number of returning families had been impatiently waiting for the reopening of the Torkham border.

Trade between the countries has remained suspended since then, leading to increased prices of essential goods, especially tomatoes.

Although Islamabad and Kabul on Friday decided to extend the ceasefire, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi stated that the “border remains closed for trade for now” and resumption of trade would depend on the security situation.

Officials previously said that all relevant staff members had been informed to ensure their presence on duty on Saturday morning. It was not clear whether Pakistanis stranded in Afghanistan would be allowed to return.

According to official figures, approximately 1.56 million Afghan nationals have now returned to their homeland under the government’s ongoing repatriation drive. The process was being conducted in accordance with legal and administrative protocols, ensuring that every individual’s documents are verified before crossing the border.

Authorities assured that the repatriation initiative was being carried out in a dignified and orderly manner and has now been extended to Torkham following its recent reopening.

Officials said the Frontier Corps (FC) and the civil administration have set up temporary shelters, food supplies, and medical facilities for departing families. The state has ensured that all humanitarian needs of Afghan refugees are addressed during the transition, an official said.

Similarly, Khyber Deputy Commissioner Bilal Rao confirmed the reopening, saying that the crossing had resumed operations to facilitate the repatriation of Afghan nationals.

Afghan and Pakistani officials, including Khizer Shah, spokesperson of the Pakistani Embassy in Kabul, also verified the development.

The repatriation process for Afghan families, both with and without valid travel or identity documents, had been suspended since October 11, when cross-border clashes broke out between security forces of the two countries.

The border skirmishes, which lasted several days, were halted only after a ceasefire was formalised in Doha on October 19.

Following the violence, Pakistan had closed all border crossings with Afghanistan for both trade and travel, leaving thousands of returning families stranded on either side. The shutdown also disrupted bilateral trade, triggering a spike in prices of essential goods, particularly perishable items like tomatoes, in local markets.

Although Islamabad and Kabul agreed on Friday to extend the ceasefire, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said that the border remains closed for trade for now, adding that commercial activity would resume only after a review of the security situation.

According to officials in Khyber, all relevant border staff had been directed to report for duty early Saturday to facilitate the return of refugees. However, it was not immediately clear whether Pakistani nationals stranded in Afghanistan would also be allowed to cross back into the country.

As part of her working visit to the Arab Republic of Egypt, Speaker of the Milli Majlis (Parliament) Sahiba Gafarova met with President of the Arab Parliament Mohamed Alyammahi in Cairo, Azernews reports, citing the Press and Public Relations Department of the Milli Majlis.

The Department noted that Speaker Gafarova expressed satisfaction with the development of relations between Azerbaijan and Muslim countries, emphasizing that these ties are built on shared religious, cultural, and moral values.

She highlighted the important role of interparliamentary cooperation in strengthening relations between nations, noting that the Milli Majlis maintains close ties with the Arab Parliament and the parliaments of its member states. Gafarova also expressed appreciation for the participation of delegations from several Arab countries in the International Parliamentary Conference held recently in Baku, dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

President Alyammahi underscored Azerbaijan’s special place among Arab countries and extended congratulations on the 30th anniversary of the Constitution and the fifth anniversary of Victory Day on November 8.

The sides also discussed the importance of joint activities between the Milli Majlis and the Arab Parliament at the international level, with Alyammahi noting the Arab Parliament’s strong cooperation with the Non-Aligned Movement Parliamentary Network, currently chaired by the Azerbaijani Parliament.

Both parties agreed to continue efforts to expand bilateral parliamentary cooperation and strengthen dialogue within multilateral platforms.

From October 31 to November 2, Baku’s historic Old City (Icherisheher) is hosting the Olive Festival, an event dedicated to celebrating Azerbaijan’s centuries-old olive cultivation traditions and promoting local production.

According to Azernews, the festival is sponsored by Absheron Olive Garden, Zire Olives, and Olivea, with the main goal of supporting domestic producers and contributing to the development of a national olive brand.

Among the attendees were Anar Alakbarov, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan, and Majnun Mammadov, Minister of Agriculture, who toured the festival pavilions set up at Gosha Gala Square. They viewed local producers’ displays, learned about new technologies in olive processing, and discussed the expansion of product varieties and innovations in the field.

Officials emphasized the importance of such initiatives for Azerbaijan’s agricultural sector, noting that the festival plays a key role in promoting local brands, expanding market access for small and medium-sized enterprises, and raising public awareness about the country’s agricultural potential.

Over the past few years, Azerbaijan has significantly increased the area of olive plantations and modernized processing facilities. The festival, by bringing together producers and consumers, highlights the growing success of the nation’s olive industry.

The three-day event also features vintage car exhibitions, thematic displays, and masterclasses on olive-based products. More than 17 restaurants operating within Icherisheher are taking part, offering special menus inspired by olives and olive oil.

Set against the backdrop of the Old City’s ancient walls, the open-air festival has created a lively and elegant atmosphere, turning the heart of Baku into a celebration of flavor and craftsmanship. Visitors can sample delicacies that reflect both the richness of Azerbaijani cuisine and the high quality of local production.

The Victory Run, held under the slogan Forward with Pride, was dedicated to the glorious victory achieved by the Azerbaijani Army under the leadership of Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev.

As reported by Azernews, Minister of Youth and Sports Farid Gayibov emphasized the growing popularity of the event in his remarks to journalists following the race, noting that the number of participants has been increasing each year.

‘This year, we saw a record number of runners take part,’ Gayibov said. ‘We can already see the positive results of the numerous mass sports events organized throughout the year. Various running clubs have been established, and I personally try to participate in as many races as possible. I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who contributed to the successful organization of this event.’

The Victory Run has been held annually since 2021, becoming a symbol of national unity, pride, and the enduring spirit of Azerbaijan’s victory.

On November 03, intermittent rain is expected in some areas of Baku and the Absheron Peninsula, with precipitation gradually subsiding during the day, Azernews reports, citing the National Hydrometeorological Service.

The northwesterly wind will shift to a northeasterly direction in the afternoon.

Air temperature will range between +10°C and +14°C at night and +15°C to +17°C during the day. Atmospheric pressure is forecast to rise from 770 to 773 mm Hg. Relative humidity will be 70-80% at night and 60-65% during the day.

In other regions of Azerbaijan, mostly dry weather is expected. However, short-term rain and thunderstorms may occur in some areas during the day, with occasional fog in certain localities. A moderate easterly wind will prevail.

Air temperature will be +6°C to +10°C at night and +17°C to +21°C during the day, while in the mountainous areas it will range from 0°C to +5°C at night and +7°C to +12°C in the daytime.

There are places in the world where the soil remembers. Where every stone, every tree, every breeze carries the memory of a people once rooted, then torn away. Garabagh is one such place. For decades, it stood as a silent witness to destruction, its villages razed, its homes dismantled-stone by stone-by Armenian forces during the years of occupation. What was once a vibrant land of culture and community was reduced to rubble, its very foundations looted and erased in an attempt to rewrite history.

But history has a way of returning home.

Today, Garabagh is rising from its ashes-not merely as a reconstruction project, but as a symbol of national resilience and spiritual restoration. The wounds of war, once raw and open, are now healing. The scars remain, but they are no longer signs of defeat. They are reminders of survival.

The Great Return program, launched by the Azerbaijani government, is not just a policy-it is a movement. It is the embodiment of a promise made to those who were displaced, to those who waited decades to walk again on the soil of their ancestors. And now, that promise is being fulfilled with determination and dignity.

More than 50,000 people have already resettled in Garabagh. Among them, 22,000 are former internally displaced persons-families who were once forced to flee, now returning to the very homelands. These are not just numbers; they are stories of return, of rekindled hope, of lives rebuilt from the ground up.

The transformation is visible across the region. In the heart of Garabagh, in the city of Khankendi and its surrounding areas, the rhythm of life is returning. In the settlement of Karkijahan, in seven villages of the Aghdara district, and in eleven villages of the Khojaly district, preparations for resettlement are in full swing. A total of 19 residential areas are being readied for the return of their rightful inhabitants. Roads are being paved, homes are being rebuilt, and essential services are being restored.

This is not merely about infrastructure-it is about identity. It is about reclaiming what was lost, not just physically, but emotionally and culturally. The return to Garabagh is a return to roots, to memory, to belonging.

What makes this revival even more remarkable is the speed and scale at which it is unfolding. Schools, clinics, and cultural centers are being established. In Khankendi, the newly established Garabagh University stands as a beacon of education and renewal. Children now walk to school where tanks once rolled. Families gather in homes where silence once reigned.

The symbolism is powerful. Where once there was desolation, now there is laughter. Where once there was exile, now there is return.

Yet, this rebirth is not without its challenges. The land still bears the remnants of war-mines, ruins, and the psychological weight of trauma. But the people of Azerbaijan are not deterred. They are rebuilding not just with bricks and mortar, but with faith and fortitude.

The international community must take note. The reconstruction of Garabagh is not just a national project-it is a human one. It is a testament to what is possible when a people refuse to surrender to despair. It is a model for post-conflict recovery rooted in justice, memory, and hope.

As the sun rises over the valleys of Garabagh, it illuminates more than just new buildings. It shines on a people who have endured, who have returned, and who are now writing a new chapter-one of peace, prosperity, and permanence.

Speaker of the Milli Majlis (Parliament) of Azerbaijan, Sahiba Gafarova, attended the opening ceremony of the Grand Egyptian Museum as part of her official visit to the Arab Republic of Egypt, Azernews reports, citing the Press and Public Relations Department of the Milli Majlis.

The event brought together heads of state, government, and parliaments from various countries. During the ceremony, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi delivered an address to the participants, while Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly gave an opening speech.

The ceremony continued with a cultural performance showcasing Egypt’s rich artistic and historical heritage, followed by an exhibition of the museum’s most iconic artifacts.

The Grand Egyptian Museum houses more than 100,000 artifacts representing different periods of Egyptian civilization, offering an unparalleled journey through the country’s ancient and modern history.

Kazakhstan’s Vladimir Bushanski has been appointed as the new sports director of the Azerbaijan Cycling Federation, Azernews reports, citing the Federation.

The decision was announced during the latest meeting of the Executive Committee.

Opening the session, Federation President Zaur Akhundov introduced the meeting agenda and presented Bushanski to the committee members. Akhundov emphasized that the Federation would provide the necessary support to ensure Bushanski’s successful work in Azerbaijan.

First Vice President Sahib Alekberov briefed participants on the Federation’s activities since the previous meeting, including numerous events and development programs. He noted that, as part of cooperation with the Ministry of Science and Education and the Ministry of Youth and Sports, new cycling sections have been opened in two cities and eight districts of the country, with plans to expand the initiative further.

Alekberov also announced that the Baku-Khankendi Azerbaijan Cycling Race has been included in the 2026 calendar of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI). The race, classified as a 2.1 category event, is scheduled to take place from May 10-14 next year and will consist of five stages. Members of the Executive Committee were briefed on the planned routes and the organizational tasks to be undertaken.

Federation President Akhundov nominated Sahib Alekberov as head of the race’s Organizing Committee, a proposal that was unanimously approved by the members.

Executive Vice President Fikrat Huseynov presented details about recent reconstruction and renovation works carried out at the Republican Velodrome, highlighting improvements in facilities and infrastructure.

The meeting also featured the unveiling of the Federation’s new official website, showcasing its updated design, enhanced functionality, and modern structure.

The Azerbaijan Volleyball Federation has unveiled the national women’s volleyball squad for the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games, set to take place in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, Azernews reports.

The roster includes 12 players selected by head coach Faiq Qarayev, who will be supported by assistant coaches Famil Aghayev, Ziya Rajabov, and Emin Abilov.

Squad list: Ayshan Abdulazimova, Aynur Imanova, Margarita Stepanenko, Kseniya Pavlenko, Yuliya Karimova, Beyaz Quluyeva, Valeriya Kondratyeva, Anastasiya Bayduk, Ulkar Karimova, Nilufar Aghazade, Yelizaveta Burkova, and Valeriya Burkova.

The 6th Islamic Solidarity Games will officially open on November 7 and close on November 21. The event, which brings together athletes from member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), aims to strengthen solidarity through sports and promote cultural and social exchange among Muslim-majority nations.

Azerbaijan’s women’s team, led by one of the country’s most experienced volleyball coaches, is expected to be among the strong contenders for medals in Riyadh.

Iran’s nuclear program is focused on meeting the country’s needs, not on developing nuclear weapons, Azernews reports, citing President Masoud Pezeshkian, as he said during a meeting with senior officials from the nuclear industry.

Pezeshkian stated that Iran’s peaceful nuclear activities are often deliberately misrepresented, with propaganda suggesting that the country’s nuclear program is aimed at producing atomic weapons. ‘In reality, the nuclear industry is a vast collection of scientific and industrial capabilities,’ he said.

The president noted that building an atomic bomb represents only a small, negative part of nuclear technology, while the majority of the field serves to address essential human needs.

Pezeshkian added that Iranian nuclear scientists are making progress in producing radioisotopes and developing new medical technologies. He emphasized the importance of accelerating work in these areas to meet national requirements.

He also called on Iranian nuclear experts to expand their expertise across various sectors, including water management, agriculture, and environmental protection.

Earlier today, an exhibition showcasing innovative achievements in Iran’s nuclear industry – particularly in healthcare, treatment, and radioisotope production – was held in Tehran. President Pezeshkian toured the exhibition and was briefed on the latest advancements.