ISLAMABAD: In a symbolic yet timely gesture, Prime Minister of Pakistan has directed all government and public institutions to switch off non-essential lights from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm on Saturday, March 28, 2026, in observance of Earth Hour 2026 — themed “Give an Hour for Earth.”
The directive, issued via official press release signed by the PM’s office, comes as the country grapples with soaring fuel prices and supply disruptions triggered by the escalating US-Iran conflict.
ارتھ آور، وزیراعظم نے بجلی سے چلنے والی روشنیاں آدھے گھنٹے کے لیے بند کرنے کی ہدایت کر دی,28 مارچ شام 8:30 سے 9:30 کے درمیان ممکنہ حد تک بجلی سے چلنے والی لائٹس بجھا دی جائیں۔ PM کی ہدایت
لائٹس آف کا مقصد ارتھ آور 2026 منانا ہے، کابینہ ڈویژن کا نوٹیفکیشن جاری@chsajjad844 pic.twitter.com/4MkqD12P5M— M.Usman Mughal (@UsmanMughalJou1) March 27, 2026
While Earth Hour is traditionally a global call for climate awareness, Pakistan’s participation this year carries added urgency because its fuel imports strained and domestic energy reserves under pressure.
The symbolic hour underscores the need for energy conservation and long-term sustainability — not just as environmental policy, but as economic necessity. Environmental advocates welcomed the move, urging citizens to treat the hour not as a ritual, but as a reminder to rethink consumption patterns in a time of global volatility.
> “In times of crisis, every watt saved is a step toward resilience,” said one Islamabad-based energy analyst. “This isn’t just about turning off lights — it’s about turning on awareness.”
The government expects all major English and Urdu dailies, as well as electronic media, to widely publicize the event — signaling an intent to mobilize public participation beyond ceremonial compliance.
