Category: Azer News

At the official event dedicated to the 2025 sports results, organized by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Azercell Telecom LLC was recognized as one of the country’s best supporters of sports for its contribution to the development of athletics in Azerbaijan, Azernews reports.

The ceremony was attended by heads of sports federations and organizations, media representatives, renowned athletes, coaches, and members of the sports community.

Azercell has long been actively promoting sports development and a healthy lifestyle through various initiatives. The company collaborates with national sports federations and contributes to social projects for children and youth in this field.

Among its initiatives, the ‘White Suits Girls’ project, implemented in partnership with the Azerbaijan Judo Federation (AJF), highlighted the issue of early marriage while encouraging young girls to engage in sports and adopt a healthy lifestyle. The project involved 1,000 girls aged 7-14 in judo classes. Another joint social initiative, ‘This is the Way’, aims to steer youth away from harmful habits and promote healthy living.

Since 2017, Azercell has also been a partner of the Paralympic Committee, further demonstrating its long-term commitment to supporting sports as a tool for social change. Through these efforts, Azercell showcases a strategic approach to creating sustainable social impact via the development of sports in Azerbaijan.

In line with President Ilham Aliyev’s directive, the ‘Great Return’ initiative to resettle liberated territories continues, Azernews reports.

In the current phase, 10 families (44 people) have returned to Vengli village in the Agdere district. These families had been temporarily accommodated across the country, mainly in dormitories, sanatoriums, and administrative buildings.

With this resettlement, the total number of families gradually returning to Vengli village has reached 137 families (532 people).

It should be noted that the Great Return program is a government-led initiative in Azerbaijan aimed at facilitating the return and resettlement of citizens to territories liberated from occupation . Launched under the directives of President Ilham Aliyev, the program focuses on rebuilding infrastructure, ensuring housing, and restoring social and administrative services in these areas to create safe and sustainable living conditions for returning families.

The initiative prioritizes gradual, organized resettlement, providing temporary accommodations such as dormitories, sanatoriums, and administrative buildings while permanent housing is being prepared. Beyond physical resettlement, the program also emphasizes the restoration of schools, medical facilities, roads, and other essential public services to revive the local economy and community life.

By implementing the Great Return program, Azerbaijan aims to ensure that liberated regions are fully reintegrated into national life, supporting the social and economic well-being of returning citizens and strengthening long-term stability and development in these territories.

On December 27, the Ministry of Agriculture and the Agricultural Procurement and Supply JSC organized the From Village to City New Year Agricultural Fair in Khankendi, Azernews reports.

According to the Public Relations Department of the Restoration, Construction, and Management Service for Khankendi city, Agdere, and Khojaly districts, the fair aims to support local farmers in selling their products while providing residents with high-quality agricultural goods at affordable prices.

Farmers participating in the fair offered natural and high-quality products directly from their farms. Many of the goods were sold below market prices, attracting significant interest from buyers. The lively atmosphere throughout the day indicated that residents welcomed the initiative positively.

Organized in the liberated territories, the fair not only created a festive New Year mood for city residents but also ensured satisfaction for both local producers and consumers, fostering stronger community connections and supporting the local economy.

Samvel Babayan, once the ‘commander’ of the so-called Artsakh Defense Army and ex-‘secretary’ of the self-proclaimed Artsakh National Security Council, has returned to the spotlight with a blunt and uncompromising critique of the Armenian authorities. His timing, right before the June parliamentary elections, raises eyebrows, but his words strike at the unresolved legacy of Garabagh and the failures of Armenian leadership.

In a recent Facebook post, Babayan directly challenged Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, accusing him of manipulating public perception. Pashinyan, he argued, falsely equates the right of return for displaced Garabagh Armenians with the broader Garabagh movement. ‘Those who talk about unresolved problems do not want war. War arises from problems that are ignored,’ Babayan wrote. He warns that ignoring these issues only leaves a ticking time bomb for the future.

Babayan did not spare Pashinyan’s contradictions. From declaring ‘Artsakh is Armenia’ to later disclaiming a mandate to negotiate for the Garabagh people, and finally limiting himself to social security guarantees, the Armenian leader, Babayan, asserts, left the Garabagh population exposed. The result: defeat, forced migration, and a community of de facto refugees stripped of citizenship, home, and meaningful opportunities for integration.

The former commander also reminded the public that the resolution of Garabagh is not solely in the hands of Pashinyan or Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. The matter is inherently geopolitical, tied to broader international processes. Evading responsibility, Babayan warns, risks fueling a larger and potentially more destructive conflict.

Babayan’s own background makes his critique particularly striking.

Once a separatist, he had kept his distance from the Artsakh authorities before Azerbaijan’s 2023 anti-terrorist operation, even advocating coexistence with Garabagh Azerbaijanis. Yet, after Azerbaijan reasserted control, Babayan was allowed to live in Yerevan unharmed, a fate denied to other separatist leaders currently facing trial.

Now, he has aligned himself with anti-Pashinyan forces, a move that appears calculated. Whether driven by election politics, Moscow’s influence, or diaspora networks, his return illustrates how the ‘Garabagh Armenians’ factor continues to serve as a potent political instrument in Armenia.

What is notably absent from Babayan’s rhetoric is Azerbaijan. His statements are not about Baku, borders, or negotiations. They are entirely inward-facing, aimed squarely at Armenia’s domestic audience. This is not a foreign policy intervention; it is an internal political marketing effort.

And therein lies the core issue. The concept of ‘Garabagh Armenians’ is becoming increasingly abstract. Many of those who relocated to Armenia are not mobilizing politically; they are trying to survive, integrate, or leave altogether. Faced with social resentment and economic hardship, they seek normalcy, not slogans. Over time, this reality erodes the effectiveness of Garabagh as a mass political cause.

But abstraction has its advantages. Precisely because it is difficult to define or ‘resolve,’ the Garabagh factor remains a convenient instrument. It can be invoked without clear policy proposals, without responsibility, and without accountability. As long as it exists as a floating symbol of injustice and loss, different political actors will attempt to monetize it, especially against Pashinyan.

Samvel Babayan did not speak out by chance. He was not merely invited into the debate; he was pushed into it. And he understands that silence may now carry its own risks. His return signals not a revival of Garabagh politics, but its final transformation: from a territorial dispute into a domestic pressure lever.

His outspokenness highlights a hard truth: the unresolved Garabagh issue is now as much a domestic Armenian political weapon as it is a geopolitical challenge. Elections, political maneuvering, and promises aside, the lives of those displaced from Garabagh remain at the center, and their voices, still largely unheard, continue to shape the contours of Armenia’s political battlefield.

As Armenia approaches elections, this lever will be pulled again and again. Not because it offers solutions, but because it still works, just enough.

The digital lawyer inquiry project in Azerbaijan is progressing in the regulatory framework and will be launched after necessary adjustments, Azernews reports, citing Anar Bagirov, Chairman of the Bar Association (VK), during the oath-taking and awards ceremony held for Lawyer’s Day.

Bagirov highlighted ongoing digitalization efforts within the Bar Association, noting that by December 12, 2025, a total of 55,576 electronic orders and 73,034 electronic contracts had been processed.

‘The work on digitalization does not stop here. The next phase is the electronic lawyer inquiry project. Discussions on this initiative were held within the Femida Dialogue Platform at the Supreme Court. Currently, regulatory work is ongoing, and the system will be launched after the necessary changes,’ he said.

During 2025, the Bar Association reviewed and submitted feedback on over 50 draft normative legal acts and provided expert opinions on 26 cases. Significant modernisation steps were also taken, including the opening of the Ganja Regional Bar Office’s new administrative building, the fourth such office in the country.

Bagirov added that the VK received 893 complaints this year, resulting in 148 disciplinary decisions. In addition, 103 training sessions were organized, attended by the majority of lawyers. The scientific-practical law journal Azerbaijan Lawyer was included in the list of recommended scientific periodicals by the Supreme Attestation Commission under the President of Azerbaijan, and a textbook titled Legal Practice, dedicated to the ‘Year of Constitution and Sovereignty,’ is scheduled for release next year.

Highlighting the Bar Association’s social role, Bagirov noted that over 10,000 citizens received free legal aid in 2025. These efforts included 42 free legal aid campaigns initiated by 42 MPs, including Milli Majlis Speaker Sahiba Gafarova – 9 in Baku and 33 across regional areas – benefiting nearly 1,000 citizens.

This reflects Azerbaijan’s Bar Association’s dual focus on digital modernization and expanding public access to legal services, reinforcing transparency, efficiency, and social responsibility in the legal sector.

The Pakistani news agency, the Dispatch News Desk, has unveiled an in-depth and insightful analysis of Pakistan’s Defence Sector as we approach the end of 2025. The report highlights the crucial role Azerbaijan plays within this strategic framework, positioning it prominently at the forefront of discussions and initiatives shaping the future of defense in the region.

Azernews presents the article:

Pakistan’s defence agreements and international partnerships have further strengthened its international image since the May 2025 Pak-India tensions. From defense cooperation with Saudi Arabia to the export of JF-17 aircraft to countries like Azerbaijan, these agreements have played a key role in projecting Pakistan as a responsible and reliable defense partner. All this has not only highlighted Pakistan’s defense capabilities but also strengthened its position in the international community. Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan and Trkiye have been topped on agenda for defence partnership, export and collaboration.

The year 2025 was of exceptional importance for Pakistan’s defense sector. This year, Pakistan not only strengthened its defense capabilities in the region but also signed several international agreements, including a historic defense agreement with Saudi Arabia, a major sale of JF-17 Thunder aircraft to Azerbaijan, and defense equipment exports with other countries. In addition, Pakistan also conducted successful tests of missiles, drones and other advanced technologies, which further strengthened its defense industry and its role in the region. This comprehensive report presents all the major defense contracts and tests from January 2025 to December 2025 in a month-by-month format, so that readers can get a complete understanding of not only the details of the events but also their background, objectives, financial aspects, and regional and global impacts.

Initial negotiations between Pakistan and Azerbaijan for the sale of JF-17 Thunder Block III aircraft began in January 2025. Azerbaijan decided to modernize its air force after the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, and preferred Pakistan’s JF-17 Block III. The initial estimate for the deal included the purchase of 16 aircraft, which was later increased to 40.

Several factors were behind Azerbaijan’s decision: reducing its dependence on Russian-made aircraft, acquiring the capability of modern AESA radar and PL-15 missiles, and consolidating its defense superiority in the region. For Pakistan, the deal was not only financially significant but also a milestone for its defense industry.

JF-17 Block III modernization: Installation of PL-15E missiles

In April 2025, Pakistan began equipping its JF-17 Block III aircraft with Chinese-made PL-15E long-range air-to-air missiles. These missiles have a range of 145 km, and together with the AESA radar, give the Pakistan Air Force a significant advantage in the region.

The move was aimed at improving its air superiority over India’s Rafale and Su-30 MKI aircraft. Although the PL-15E has a shorter range than the Chinese version, its presence has brought about significant changes in Pakistan’s defense strategy. Along with this, Pakistan has also increased the number of JF-17 Block IIIs, in order to modernize the air fleet.

Missile Tests and Defense Readiness: Abdali and Fateh Series Missile Tests

In May 2025, Pakistan successfully tested the Abdali ballistic missile and Fateh series missiles. The Abdali missile has a range of 450 km, while the Fateh series missiles can hit targets up to 120 km. The tests were conducted during the Ex-INDUS military exercise, which was attended by military officers, scientists, and engineers.

The aim of these tests was not only to verify technical capabilities but also to test the operational readiness of the military forces. The missiles included advanced navigation systems, terminal guidance, and the ability to evade anti-ballistic missile systems. The President, Prime Minister, and the military leadership described these tests as important for national defense.

Historic defense deal with Azerbaijan: Sale and investment of 40 JF-17 Block III

A $4.6 billion defense deal was signed between Pakistan and Azerbaijan in June 2025, under which Pakistan will supply Azerbaijan with 40 JF-17 Block III aircraft. This also includes an investment of $2 billion, which is earmarked for joint industrial projects, infrastructure, and possibly local production.

The deal is the largest export deal for Pakistan’s defense industry. Azerbaijan will be supplied with the Block III version, which includes AESA radar, advanced avionics, PL-15 and PL-10 missile capability, and the ASELPOD targeting system. The deal will also see Pakistani pilots and technicians train in Azerbaijan.

20% increase in defense budget

In June 2025, Pakistan increased its defense budget by 20%, mainly due to recent tensions with India and growing threats in the region. The budget allocated Rs2.55 trillion for the army, air force, and navy, which is 1.97 percent of GDP. The budget also includes funds for advanced weapons, drones, and missile systems.

Establishment of Army Rocket Force Command

In August 2025, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced the establishment of the Army Rocket Force Command (ARFC). The force aims to consolidate conventional missiles and rocket systems, enhance operational readiness, and counter India’s growing missile capabilities.

The ARFC includes missiles such as Fateh-1, Fateh-2, and Fateh-4, which have ranges ranging from 140 to 750 kilometers. The force was established after the May 2025 Indo-Pakistan conflict, in which India launched Brahmos missiles at Pakistani targets.

Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Defense Agreement (SMDA)

On September 17, 2025, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed the Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement (SMDA). Under this agreement, an attack on either country will be considered an attack on both countries, and a joint defense response will be given.

Key points of the agreement:

Mutual defense: An attack on either country will be considered an attack on both.

Nuclear umbrella: Pakistan has indicated that it can provide nuclear capabilities to Saudi Arabia if needed, but there is still ambiguity on this aspect.

Defense cooperation: Military training, joint exercises, and cooperation in the defense industry.

Regional stability: The agreement was signed to promote peace and stability in the region.

Economic aspects: Saudi Arabia’s investment in Pakistan, energy, and infrastructure cooperation.

Global media considered the agreement was a change in the balance of power in the region and a milestone for Pakistan’s defense industry.

Fateh-4 cruise missile test

On September 30, 2025, Pakistan successfully tested the Fateh-4 cruise missile, which has a range of 750 kilometers. The missile will be operated under the ARFC and is intended to counter India’s defense capabilities. The test further strengthened Pakistan’s conventional missile capability and added a new dimension to its defense strategy in the region.

Delivery of JF-17 Block III to Azerbaijan

In October 2025, Pakistan delivered the first batch of JF-17 Block III aircraft to Azerbaijan. The delivery was made under a $4.6 billion deal, which also includes training, logistics, and weapons.

The Azerbaijani president described the delivery as crucial for its defense superiority in the region. Under the deal, Azerbaijan was provided not only with modern aircraft but also with Pakistani-trained personnel and technical support.

Dubai Air Show and new JF-17 Block III deal

During the Dubai Air Show in November 2025, Pakistan signed an MoU with a new ‘friendly’ country for the export of JF-17 Block III. Although the country was not named, analysts say the deal could be with a country in the Middle East or Africa.

The deal demonstrated the global popularity of Pakistan’s defense industry and presented the JF-17 Block III as a cheap and modern 4.5-generation fighter jet. Several countries showed interest in the JF-17 at the Dubai Air Show, and more exports are expected in the future.

JF-17 combat success in Nigeria

In December 2025, Nigeria successfully used its JF-17 aircraft to crush a rebellion in Benin. These aircraft targeted insurgent positions with laser-guided bombs, proving their combat capability. This success further boosted Pakistan’s defense exports, and strengthened its defense cooperation in Africa.

Pakistan’s Defense Industry: Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) Kamra

Pakistan Aeronautical Complex Kamra is the hub of the country’s defense industry, where the JF-17, Super Mushtaq, and other aircraft are manufactured. PAC has expanded its capabilities not only for domestic needs but also for export purposes. 58% of JF-17 production is done in Pakistan, and most of its components are manufactured locally.

Global Industrial and Defense Solutions (GIDS)

GIDS is Pakistan’s state-owned defense company, which manufactures Shahpar drones, missiles, and other advanced weapons. The Shahpar-III drone can fly for 30-40 hours, can climb to 35,000 feet, and can carry 6 weapons. The drone is being exported to several countries, including the Middle East, Africa, and Trkiye.

Defense Exports and Financial Aspects

Pakistan’s defense exports have the potential to increase from $500 million to $5 billion annually by 2035, provided industrial reforms, local production, and improved export strategies are implemented. JF-17, Super Mushshak, Shahpar drones, and other weapons are being exported to several countries in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

Export Regulations and Restrictions

Pakistan enacted the Export Control Act in 2004, which imposes strict regulations on the export of nuclear, biological, and missile technology. SECDIV oversees this process, and exports are permitted in accordance with international agreements, such as the NSG, MTCR, and the Australia Group.

Defense Experiments: Missiles, Drones, and Other Technologies

Missile Experiments

Abdali Ballistic Missile: Successfully tested on 3 May 2025 with a range of 450 km.

Fateh series missiles: Tested on May 6, 2025, with a range of 120 km, advanced navigation, and terminal guidance.

Fateh-4 cruise missile: September 30

Tested with 750 km range in 2025, operated under ARFC.

Drones and Unmanned Systems

Shahpar-III drone: Introduced at IDEAS and IDEX exhibitions in 2025, flight up to 30-40 hours, 6 weapons, altitude up to 35,000 feet, SATCOM link, and local production.

Exports: Shahpar-III is being exported to the UAE, Azerbaijan, Nigeria, Trkiye, and other countries.

Naval, Artillery, and Rocket Forces

Army Rocket Force Command: Established in August 2025, the operational readiness of conventional missiles, competing with India’s Brahmos and S-400 capabilities.

Naval Cooperation: Pakistan Navy increases joint exercises and defense cooperation with Qatar, UAE, and Oman.

Pakistan’s Defense Industry and Future

Pakistan’s defense industry made significant progress in 2025. PAC Kamra, GIDS, NESCOM, and other institutions are developing advanced aircraft, drones, missiles, and weapons. The JF-17 Block III, Shahpar-III, and Fateh series missiles have made Pakistan a strong defense force in the region. Through increased exports, local production, and industrial reforms, Pakistan can achieve the target of $5 billion annual defense exports by 2035.

Conclusions

In 2025, Pakistan signed several historic agreements in the defense sector, including a strategic defense agreement with Saudi Arabia, a major sale of JF-17 Block III to Azerbaijan, and defense cooperation with other countries. Successful tests of missiles, drones, and conventional weapons have further strengthened Pakistan’s defense capability. The changing geopolitical balance in the region, the new strategies of India and Iran, and relations with the United States and China have given Pakistan an important defense and strategic role.

Recommendations for the future are:

Industrial reforms: Promote local production, supply chains, and technical training.

Export Strategy: Explore new markets in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

??Legal Oversight: Strictly monitor exports and fully comply with international agreements.

Advanced Research: Prioritize research and development on hypersonic missiles, advanced drones, and cyber defense.

Regional Cooperation: Further expand defense cooperation with Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan, Trkiye, and other friendly countries.

The achievements of Pakistan’s defense industry in 2025 are important not only for domestic security but also for peace and stability in the region. A comprehensive strategy, industrial reforms, and international cooperation are essential to sustain and further promote these achievements in the future.

Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, founder and head of IDEA Public Union, met with the creative team of the ‘ANIMAFILM Studio’.

Leyla Aliyeva had a conversation with the studio staff, exploring the development of animation art in Azerbaijan. Rashid Aghamaliyev, Director of the ‘ANIMAFILM Studio’, Elchin Hami Akhundov, honored culture worker, holder of the individual presidential pension, as well as the studio staff attended the meeting.

Leyla Aliyeva wathched the latest animated films produced by the studio, including the “Earth and Moon short animated film – a joint production of the Azerbaijani and Uzbek animators, as well as the ‘Porridge Monster’ short animated film – a joint production of the Azerbaijani, Polish, and German animators.

Additionally, Leyla Aliyeva watched the initial versions of the first two episodes of the ‘Isi and Piti’ children’s animated series, the latest project of the ‘ANIMAFILM Studio’.

Leyla Aliyeva got acquainted with the first two episodes of the new children’s animated series “Isi v Piti”, which has been started to be produced by “ANIMAFILM Studio”.

Bahar Energy Operating Company Limited (BEOC) has prepared a strategic roadmap for the partial (60-70%) transfer of stakes in the Bahar field, located in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea, to investors, Azernews reports, citing the company.

According to information, the operator of both the Bahar and Gum-Deniz fields, efforts to attract investors under this roadmap will continue in the first quarter of 2026.

It should be noted that the ownership structure of the ‘Bahar’ and ‘Gum-Deniz’ fields has recently changed. As of August 15, 2025, 100% of the shares in BEOC were acquired by the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR), bringing the project under SOCAR’s full management within the framework of the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA).

The ‘Bahar’ field has been in operation since 1968, while the ‘Gum-Deniz’ field has been producing oil since 1955. Both fields hold strategic importance for Azerbaijan’s energy sector. The ‘Gum-Deniz’ field stretches approximately 12 km offshore from Qum Island, located south of the Absheron Peninsula in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea, while the ‘Bahar’ field lies roughly 20 km from the coast.

On the initiative of Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and founder and head of the IDEA Public Union, a New Year celebration was organised for children living in the city of Yevlakh ahead of the New Year.

IDEA told AZERTAC that, as part of the festive event, 30 children from different age groups were presented with bicycles along with safety equipment. The initiative brought joy and a festive spirit to the children on the eve of the New Year.

It should be noted that, at the initiative of Leyla Aliyeva, large-scale projects covering humanitarian, educational, healthcare, social, environmental and other fields are regularly implemented both across various regions of Azerbaijan and in a number of countries around the world. Organising events for children in orphanages, boarding schools, as well as for children in need of treatment and care-particularly during holidays-is one of the key priorities of these initiatives. Such events are held regularly to bring happiness to children deprived of parental care and those in greater need of attention, ensuring they can experience the joy and warmth of the festive season.

The 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), scheduled to take place in Baku from May 17 to 22 next year, will serve as a major international platform bringing together global policy dialogue, knowledge sharing, and the exchange of best practices in the field of sustainable urban development.

Azernews reports that, this was stated by Eldar Rasulov, Media Relations Manager of the WUF13 Azerbaijan Operating Company, in comments to journalists.

Rasulov noted that WUF13 is one of the most prestigious international platforms, jointly organized by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) and the Government of Azerbaijan.

‘The WUF13 session represents a key milestone in the global urban development agenda. It is an important international event that unites global policy dialogue on sustainable urban development with the exchange of knowledge and advanced practices,’ he said. ‘For the first time, the forum will be held in the Caspian and South Caucasus region, and nearly 10,000 international participants are expected, with total attendance projected at around 30,000 participants.’

Rasulov emphasized that, unlike previous editions of the forum, WUF13 will be attended by numerous heads of state and government.

Within the framework of the forum, 40 main sessions and approximately 350 partner-led events will be organized. The forum’s core sessions will be provided with simultaneous interpretation in eight languages, including sign language, ensuring broad accessibility.

To ensure the high-level organization of WUF13, the WUF13 Azerbaijan Operating Company commenced operations on June 30, 2025. Since then, comprehensive preparations have been carried out across key areas, including institutional readiness, venue infrastructure planning, operational management, transportation, marketing, and communications.

Rasulov added that building a professional organizing team is among the top priorities for the successful delivery of an event of this scale. Currently, a workforce of nearly 300 staff members has been assembled, most of whom are experienced professionals with a background in organizing international events.