LAHORE/ISLAMABAD: People observed Earth Hour from 8:30pm to 9:30pm on Saturday as the WWF-Pakistan joined the global celebration of the 20th Earth Hour, the world’s largest grassroots environmental movement, returning this year as the “Biggest Hour for Earth”.
Observed in more than 180 countries and territories, the Earth Hour continues to serve as a symbol of collective resolve, inspiring individuals, institutions and communities to take meaningful, sustained action for climate and nature. The milestone edition holds particular significance for Pakistan which faces accelerating climate impacts despite contributing less than one per cent to global emissions, reaffirming its commitment to environmental responsibility on the world stage.
A total of 15 landmarks and institutions across the country switched off non-essential lights to mark the occasion. In Islamabad, key sites, including Islamabad High Court, Jinnah Convention Centre, D-Chowk, Pak-China Friendship Centre, Pakistan Monument and Parliament House, participated in the global moment of solidarity.
In Lahore, Governor’s House, Punjab Assembly, Wapda House, Chief Minister’s Office and Lahore University of Management Sciences observed the switch-off.
In Karachi, Mohatta Palace and Khaliq Dina Hall joined the initiative, bringing together three major cities in a unified expression of environmental commitment.
In his message, President Asif Ali Zardari said Earth Hour is a reminder that protecting the planet requires collective action. While switching off lights is symbolic, he said, the gesture encourages practical steps in homes, workplaces and communities to reduce environmental impact. He highlighted Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change and urged citizens and institutions to adopt responsible resource use and sustainable development practices.
Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said participation in the Earth Hour 2026 reaffirms parliament’s commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development, noting that individual actions can create lasting impact.
Chairman Senate Yousuf Raza Gillani praised the WWF-Pakistan as a longstanding partner in the country’s fight against environmental degradation and stressed the importance of climate resilience and water security. He urged citizens to take part in the campaign, saying that the act of switching off lights sends a powerful message of responsibility.
The Punjab government also observed Earth Hour, directing divisional and deputy commissioners to ensure implementation across offices and departments and actively participate in the switch-off movement. WWF-Pakistan Director General Hammad Naqi Khan said the floods of 2025 were a stark reminder of Pakistan’s climate vulnerability, stressing that building resilience is now essential and calling for sustained action beyond symbolic gestures.
Since its launch in 2007, Earth Hour has evolved beyond the symbolic “lights off” moment into a global movement for transformative change. As landmarks and homes worldwide switched off their lights, supporters were invited to “Give an Hour for Earth” by dedicating 60 minutes to positive action for the planet. Earth Hour 2026 reinforced the message that collective action — no matter how small — can drive meaningful and lasting change for people and Nature.
Meanwhile, the Federal Constitutional Court on Saturday announced its participation in Earth Hour 2026, a global initiative aimed at raising awareness about climate change and environmental protection. “In solidarity with this worldwide effort, the lights of the Court building shall be switched off on Saturday from 8:30pm to 9:30pm, as a symbolic gesture to reaffirm the court’s commitment to environmental sustainability,” says a press release issued here.
At a time when environmental degradation poses serious threats to human life and ecological balance, the Federal Constitutional Court of Pakistan recognises that environmental protection is intrinsically linked with the concept of environmental justice, which forms an essential component of the rule of law and the protection of fundamental rights. The FCC expressed its full commitment to promote and uphold environmental justice in all its dimensions.
Similarly, in order to address environmental challenges, the FCC also emphasised the need for adopting comprehensive measures, including the reduction of industrial pollution, prevention of deforestation, improved waste management and enhancement of air quality.
