Pakistan to observe 10th Earth Hour

Islamabad, March 25 (IANS) Pakistan along with more than 170 countries will observe the 10th Earth Hour 2017 between 8.30 p.m. and 9.30 p.m. on Saturday, and participate in the World Wildlife Funds (WWF) effort to show global commitment to the planet.

Each year, businesses and landmarks set aside an hour to switch off non-essential lights and observe Earth Hour to advocate action for climate change, Dawn online reported.

WWF-Pakistan will hold special events to commemorate Earth Hour at the National Assembly here, Frere Hall in Karachi and Emporium Mall in Lahore.

Over 60 educational institutions and 73 retail outlets have pledged to participate in events all over the country.

Non-essential lights in 40 landmark buildings in Karachi, including the Chief Minister House, Mazar-e-Quaid, Karachi Airport and Expo Centre will be turned off to observe the Earth Hour.

Karachi's electricity utility company has partnered with WWF-Pakistan to spread awareness for climate change.

A private company has also joined hands with WWF to plant at least 3,000 indigenous saplings at educational institutes across Islamabad, Taxila and Hattar.

"Back in 2010, WWF-Pakistan started celebrating Earth Hour and joined the global call for action against climate. Today, we feel proud that people recognise and relate to the symbolic gesture of switching off unnecessary lights," WWF-Pakistan's Director General, Hammad Naqi Khan, said.

"Taking part in such campaigns highlights the dramatic changes occurring around the world and presses us to take action, both individually and as a society, to safeguard our collective interest -- to safeguard the world," Khan said.

He invited people to observe the event and become part of the global campaign.