Observed annually on the last Saturday in March, Earth Hour is symbolically marked by turning off non-essential lights.
A view of the lights turned off at the Prime Minister’s Office last year in observance of International Earth Hour. PHOTO: ARCHIVE
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday urged the nation to actively participate in Earth Hour to be celebrated on March 28, 2026.
President Zardari, in a post on
“I encourage all Pakistanis to turn off non-essential lights for one hour on the night of March 28, 2026. Let’s use that hour to reflect on how we can conserve energy, protect our environment and support efforts that promote sustainable living.”
~ President Asif Ali Zardari pic.twitter.com/2nt6QpDJ4x
— The 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: Prime Minister urges nationwide observance of Earth Hour on Saturday
In his message, the prime minister asked citizens to turn off or minimize the use of electricity and non-essential lighting between 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
He said that in a time marked by environmental challenges, Earth Hour serves as a reminder that protecting the planet is a shared and fundamental responsibility.
The initiative, which is celebrated this year under the motto “Give an hour for the Earth”, aims to promote environmental protection, efficient use of energy and awareness of climate change.
The Prime Minister said Earth Hour is not simply a symbolic activity but a global moment of reflection that offers an opportunity to renew commitment towards a sustainable and resilient environmental future. He added that these conscious actions can collectively generate significant positive social change.
He emphasized that decisions made 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 address these challenges, highlighting initiatives including the Upscaling Green Pakistan Programme, the Living Indus Initiative, Recharge Pakistan and the 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 lasting way of life, laying the foundation for a greener, safer and more resilient Pakistan.
Earth Hour, celebrated annually on the last Saturday in March, is symbolically marked by turning off non-essential lights between 8:30 pm and 9:30 pm local time.
Read: Capital turns off lights for Earth Hour
Last year, Earth Hour coincided with World Water Day 2025, calling for conserving freshwater resources and addressing the adverse impacts of climate change. Events are organized in major cities of Pakistan to observe Earth Hour.
These events are often attended by goodwill ambassadors, policymakers, officials from government departments, civil society organizations and youth.
Multiple landmarks in Islamabad including President House, Prime Minister House, Parliament House, Supreme Court of Pakistan, Islamabad High Court, Pakistan Memorial, D-Chowk, Pakistan-China Friendship Centre, Convention Center and Jinnah Avenue switched off their lights during Earth Hour to show their commitment to the Earth.
