Observed annually on the last Saturday in March, Earth Hour is symbolically marked by turning off non-essential lights
A display of lights was switched off at the PM’s office last year in observance of the international Earth Hour. PHOTO: FILE
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday urged the nation to actively participate in the Earth Hour observed on March 28, 2026.
In a speech on X, President Zardari called on citizens to turn off non-essential lights for one hour on the evening of March 28 and use the time to reflect on saving energy, protecting the environment and supporting sustainable living efforts.
“I call on all Pakistanis to turn off non-essential lights for one hour on the evening of March 28, 2026. Let’s use that hour to reflect on how we can save energy, protect our environment and support efforts that promote sustainable living.”
~ President Asif Ali Zardari pic.twitter.com/2nt6QpDJ4x
— President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) March 28, 2026
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, the Prime Minister in his message also urged the nation to actively participate in Earth Hour.
Read: The Prime Minister is calling for nationwide observance of Earth Hour on Saturday
In his message, the prime minister urged citizens to switch off or minimize the use of electricity and non-essential lighting from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
He said that at a time of environmental challenges, Earth Hour serves as a reminder that protecting the planet is a shared and fundamental responsibility.
The initiative, observed this year under the theme “Give an hour to the earth”, aims to promote environmental protection, efficient use of energy and awareness of climate change.
The Prime Minister said that Earth Hour is not just a symbolic activity, but a global moment of reflection that provides an opportunity to renew commitment towards a sustainable and resilient environmental future. He added that such conscious actions can collectively bring about significant positive societal change.
He emphasized that decisions taken today to address climate change and environmental degradation will shape the future for generations to come.
The Prime Minister said the government is working on a climate-resilient development agenda to tackle these challenges, highlighting initiatives including the Upscaling Green Pakistan programme, Living Indus Initiative, Recharge Pakistan and installation of modern warning systems in flood-affected areas.
He urged citizens to fully participate in the global campaign and translate the message of environmental responsibility into a sustainable lifestyle that lays the foundation for a greener, safer and more resilient Pakistan.
Observed annually on the last Saturday in March, Earth Hour is symbolically marked by turning off non-essential lights between 20:30 and 21:30 local time.
Read: Kapital turns off lights for Earth Hour
Last year, Earth Hour coincided with World Water Day 2025, calling for conserving freshwater resources and addressing the negative effects of climate change. Events are organized in major cities of Pakistan in accordance with Earth Hour.
These events are typically attended by goodwill ambassadors, policy makers, government officials, civil society organizations and youth.
Several landmarks in Islamabad including the President’s House, Prime Minister’s House, Parliament House, Supreme Court of Pakistan, Islamabad High Court, Pakistan Monument, D-Chowk, Pak-China Friendship Centre, Convention Center and Jinnah Avenue switched off their lights during Earth Hour to show their commitment to the Earth.
