Pakistan set to switch off lights for Earth Hour 2026

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities across Pakistan to observe Earth Hour 2026 by switching off non-essential lights from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm on March 28. The instruction was conveyed through a notification issued by the Cabinet Division.

The prime minister asked ministries, divisions, provincial governments and public institutions to take part in the global campaign under the theme "Give an Hour for Earth." The initiative encourages both institutions and individuals to dedicate time to environmental protection, energy conservation and climate awareness.

Earth Hour, launched by the World Wide Fund for Nature in 2007, is now marked in more than 190 countries and territories. Its central gesture is a coordinated symbolic switch-off of non-essential lighting, meant to highlight the need for practical climate and sustainability action.

This year's observance carries added significance as it marks the campaign's 20th anniversary, with a renewed emphasis on biodiversity protection, sustainable habits and concrete environmental responsibility.