Pakistan president urges people to observe Earth Hour 2010

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has called upon Pakistani people to observe the Earth Hour on Saturday (March 27) along with the international community by voluntarily switching off extra lights for one hour between 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

In his message issued here Friday evening, President Zardari also urged people to optimally utilise essential commodities like energy for the greatest good of the greatest number of people. Following is the text of his message:

“The Earth Hour 2010 is being observed for the first time throughout the world on Saturday, March 27, 2010 between 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. to impress upon the need to save energy and preserve environment for a better future.

“I am pleased to learn that the Ministry of Environment, Government of Pakistan has also decided to join the international community in observing Earth Hour at the appointed time.

“Conservation of natural resources and essential commodities is critical to creating a sustainable environment. It is important that we conserve and use wisely essential commodities like energy particularly electricity so as to make it available for other worthwhile uses.

“On this occasion, therefore, I urge the people of Pakistan to join hands with other responsible nations on March 27, by collectively acting to conserve energy. The wide scale participation by our people will not only impress upon the need for energy conservation but also send a strong message that as a responsible player on the international stage we are conscious of our global and international responsibilities on issues of concern to the mankind.

“The government has taken a number of measures to improve the power sector. However, no matter what measures are taken to increase power production we will need to adopt the habit of conservation so as to utilise the available resources most optimally and for the greatest good to the greatest number of people.

“Joining global call to observe Earth Hour on March 27 between 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. by switching off extra lights and appliance in government and non-government buildings will be a worthwhile effort in this direction. I wish all concerned success their endeavour.”