ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Saturday called for collective action on climate change ahead of Earth Hour 2026, urging citizens to adopt more sustainable habits.

This year's "Give an Hour for Earth" campaign, which is observed globally through a symbolic lights-off hour, encourages people to consider how their everyday decisions impact the environment and to take action beyond the gesture.

President urges reflection, sustainable living

In a message issued to mark the occasion, the President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari, said environmental protection requires collective effort, emphasizing that individual acts, when combined, can have a significant impact.

He noted that a country responsible for less than 1% of global greenhouse gas emissions continues to bear a disproportionate share of climate consequences.

"The pressures we place on natural systems are steadily reducing the space in which life can sustain itself," the president said.

The statement pointed to recent floods, heatwaves, and droughts as clear indicators of escalating environmental stress, affecting agriculture, water availability, and urban life.

Zardari called for development strategies that stay within environmental limits, pointing to the need for more responsible energy use, sustainable consumption patterns, and climate-conscious industrial and agricultural practices.

He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to the Paris Agreement and said climate resilience remains a key focus of national planning.

He also referred to ongoing initiatives such as the Upscaling Green Pakistan Programme, Living Indus, and Recharge Pakistan, which aim to expand forest cover, restore ecosystems, and improve water management.

Citizens were encouraged to switch off non-essential lights on March 28 and use the occasion to consider long-term changes that reduce environmental impact.

PM encourages Earth Hour participation

Meanwhile, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged citizens to take part in Earth Hour by switching off unnecessary lights between 8:30 pm and 9:30 pm, or at least minimizing electricity use during the hour.

He said the initiative serves as a reminder that protecting the environment is a shared national responsibility, particularly at a time of "serious environmental challenges".

He stressed that decisions taken today to address environmental degradation would shape the future of coming generations.

Senate chairman stresses policy and coordination

In a separate statement, the Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan, Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, underscored the urgency of a coordinated national response, warning that climate-related threats are becoming more frequent and severe.

He pointed to accelerating glacial melt, growing water stress, and recurring extreme weather events as key challenges requiring stronger policy alignment and institutional accountability.

Describing climate change as "a profound intergenerational obligation," the Chairman called for tighter policy integration, stronger institutional accountability, and a coordinated response spanning federal and provincial governments.

Describing Earth Hour as a symbolic but important initiative, he said it serves to reinforce the need for efficient energy use and more sustainable consumption across society. He added that legislative efforts would continue to prioritize environmental protection, renewable energy, and conservation of natural resources.

Notably, the chairman expanded the circle of responsibility beyond government, calling on civil society and the private sector to engage meaningfully. The transition to sustainable consumption, he reiterated, cannot be legislated into existence alone.

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Pakistan observes Earth Hour, leaders urge climate responsibility