ISLAMABAD: Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq and Senate chairman Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Friday said that by joining the global campaign of Earth Hour 2026, both the houses reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development.
Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq emphasised that Earth Hour was not merely about switching off lights for one hour, but rather represented a powerful symbol of collective resolve to protect the planet, rising above all boundaries of geography, politics and ideology. He expressed these views on the occasion of Earth Hour being observed globally on March 28.
The NA Speaker noted that while energy conservation measures were strictly being enforced at Parliament House, the practice of switching off unnecessary lights and other electrical devices would also be observed on Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 8:30pm to 9:30pm.
He remarked that this symbolic act served as a reminder that individual actions, when combined, could create a profound and lasting impact. He highlighted that small but meaningful steps taken collectively by citizens contribute significantly towards achieving environmental sustainability and resilience.
Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq stated that Pakistan, endowed with rich biodiversity and natural resources, remained highly vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change. He said that addressing these challenges required coordinated policies, effective implementation and a shared sense of responsibility to ensure a safe and prosperous future for coming generations.
He stressed that reducing air pollution, curbing the emission of harmful gases, ensuring the sustainable use of natural resources and promoting environmentally responsible policies were more urgent now than ever before.
He urged all segments of society to actively participate in environmental protection and adopt eco-friendly practices in their daily lives.
Speaker Sadiq underscored that through unity and collective action, the vision of a greener, cleaner and more prosperous Earth could be realised. He called upon the nation to embrace Earth Hour 2026 not merely as a symbolic observance, but as a continuous commitment to environmental stewardship.
He also commended the efforts of WWF-Pakistan for its dedicated work in environmental conservation and acknowledged its vital role in promoting awareness and safeguarding natural ecosystems. The Speaker urged citizens, institutions and stakeholders to stand together in this global movement and take practical, sustained steps to protect the planet for present and future generations.
Pakistan stood among countries most acutely vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The increasing frequency of extreme weather events, accelerating glacial melt, and intensifying water stress present serious challenges that demand a cohesive and forward-looking national response, said statement issued by the senate. It quoted Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, calling for strengthened policy integration, enhanced institutional accountability, and sustained public engagement.
Earth Hour, though symbolic, served as a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility to safeguard the planet. It reinforces the need to transition towards sustainable consumption patterns, efficient energy use, and environmentally responsible practices across all sectors of society.
The Senate chairman reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to advancing a robust legislative and oversight framework that prioritizes environmental protection, climate resilience, and sustainable development, he said.
Focused efforts continued to be directed towards improving environmental governance, conserving natural resources, promoting renewable energy solutions, and protecting vital ecosystems nationwide.
Addressing climate change was not only a national priority but a profound intergenerational obligation. It necessitates close coordination between federal and provincial governments, as well as meaningful participation from civil society, the private sector, and citizens at large.
“On this occasion, I urge all citizens to reflect upon their role as stewards of the environment and to contribute actively towards building a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable Pakistan,” the chairman said.
He said that the Senate of Pakistan remained resolute in its commitment to supporting policies and initiatives that protected the environment and ensured a resilient future for generations to come…end-
Deputy Speaker National Assembly Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah said that the participation of the National Assembly Secretariat in Earth Hour 2026 reflected a strong commitment to environmental protection.
He emphasised that every individual and institution has an important role to play in addressing the impacts of climate change.
On the other hand, the global environmental campaign will be observed in Rawalpindi on Saturday.
Unnecessary lights will be switched off for one hour from 8:30pm to 9:30pm under Earth Hour 2026.
Deputy Commissioner Dr Hassan Waqar Cheema has directed the concerned institutions to ensure full participation in the campaign and to effectively use social media and other means to raise public awareness.
He said that initiatives like Earth Hour are extremely important for environmental protection and preventing energy waste.
Furthermore, industrialists, traders and citizens have also been urged to be part of this global campaign and promote the eco-friendly message by switching off unnecessary electricity for one hour.
Published in Dawn, March 28th, 2026
