ISLAMABAD: Nearly a dozen landmarks, including Parliament House and the Supreme Court, went dark on Saturday to mark Earth Hour.

The event was celebrated in front of the National Assembly.

At 8:30pm local time, landmarks across the country switched off their lights for the planet and joined World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Pakistan’s call to combat climate change.

The WWF said that as nature declines like never before, coupled with the ever present challenge of climate change, Earth Hour 2019 focused on raising awareness on why nature matters and inspiring global action on conserving nature.

“Earth Hour is important to inform people how to conserve energy and keep our environment clean. I am glad that elected members of the parliament have joined me in spreading the message that nature comes first,” said National Assembly Deputy Speaker Qasim Khan Suri.

In addition to the Convention Centre, Pakistan National Monument, Pak-China Friendship Centre, Lake View Park and the 7th and the 8th avenues,

landmarks in other cities such as the Wazir Khan Mosque, Hazori Bagh, Avari and PC hotels also switched off their lights.

Earth Hour events were also celebrated at the Sindh Assembly, Wapda House in Lahore, and in various WWF Pakistan offices including Bahawalpur, Khanewal, Faisalabad, Peshawar, Nathiagali, and Sukkur.

WWF said that from the Eiffel Tower to the Sydney Opera House, and the Empire State Building to Burj Khalifa, thousands of international landmarks switched off their lights in solidarity for the planet, to raise awareness about the importance of nature, and encouraged individuals, businesses and governments worldwide to be a part of the solutions needed to build a healthy, sustainable future – and planet – for all.

Senator Seemi Ezdi, who was celebrating Earth Hour with students and other guests, said that by saving electricity we also save water.

Ms Ezdi emphasized planting more trees to counter climate change, while Islamabad Management Wildlife Board Chairman Dr Anis Rahman said that Earth Hour is about creating awareness to conserve biodiversity, especially among youngsters.

WWF-Pakistan Senior Director Programmes Rab Nawaz said: “Pakistan is among the top 10 countries affected by climate change and this environmental challenge is already impacting our economy severely. On this Earth Hour, by joining WWF, millions of people around the world have shown their commitment for the planet. Switching off all unnecessary lights for one hour on Saturday, March 30 is a symbolic gesture. All of us should pledge to take action in our capacity as an individual, business and policy and decision-maker to reduce our footprint, save nature and protect the environment.”

Published in Dawn, March 31st, 2019