Pakistan united for Earth Hour: Zardari and Shehbaz lead call for climate action

WEB DESK: In a synchronised display of environmental solidarity, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have called upon the citizens of Pakistan to join the global community in observing Earth Hour this Saturday, 28 March 2026.

The leadership urged the nation to switch off non-essential lights between 8:30 pm and 9:30 pm, turning a symbolic sixty minutes into a catalyst for long-term ecological change.

A symbolic hour for substantial change

President Zardari, using the social media platform X, encouraged the public to use the hour not just for energy conservation, but as a period of reflection on sustainable living.

Echoing this sentiment, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the initiative themed “Give an Hour for Earth” as a fundamental responsibility. He noted that in an era defined by acute environmental challenges, such conscious collective actions are essential to fostering a resilient future.

Earth Hour is not merely a symbolic activity, the Prime Minister remarked, but a global moment of reflection to renew our commitment to the planet.

National landmarks fade to black

To lead by example, several of the capital’s most iconic landmarks, including the President House, Parliament House, and the Pakistan Monument, are set to douse their lights.

The government is linking this observance to its broader “climate-resilient development agenda,” which includes the Upscaling Green Pakistan Programme and the Living Indus Initiative.

By integrating these symbolic gestures with active policy, the administration aims to mitigate the impact of climate change and protect future generations from the increasing threat of environmental degradation.