Lahore, March 28, 2026 Earth Hour was observed in all institutions of the Department of Social Welfare and Baitul Maal on the special directives of Punjab Prime Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif led by Provincial Minister of Social Welfare and Baitul Maal Sohail Shaukat Butt, as part of a global campaign to promote energy conservation and environmental protection.
During the celebration, the lights of all government offices and institutions under the Social Welfare Department were turned off for one hour from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm to symbolically highlight the importance of responsible use of energy and reinforce the need for collective action against environmental degradation and the effects of climate change. The initiative aims to encourage awareness of sustainable practices and promote environmentally responsible behavior at the institutional and public levels.
Punjab Minister Suhail Shaukat Butt said that the primary goal of Earth Hour is to educate citizens about efficient energy consumption and environmental protection, describing it as an urgent need in light of the increasing demand for energy and growing environmental challenges. He expressed his appreciation for the active participation of departmental staff, representatives of NGOs, members of civil society, the general public and the media, saying that their participation contributed to the success of the campaign.
He said that under the vision of Punjab Prime Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the provincial government is committed to promoting environment-friendly initiatives, sustainable development and responsible use of resources in all sectors. He added that such awareness campaigns play a vital role in enhancing public participation and enhancing the culture of environmental conservation at the popular level.