LAHORE (Staff Report) – WWF-Pakistan and the government of Punjab held a pledge signing ceremony on Monday at the Punjab Assembly to demonstrate their mutual support for action on climate change and take strong steps towards a low-carbon, sustainable future.
On behalf of the Rana Muhammad Iqbal Khan, Speaker Punjab Assembly, Government of Punjab; Rana Mashood Ahmed Khan, Minister for Education, Sports and Tourism, Government of Punjab; and AhmerYar Malik, Managing Director (MD) Tourism pledged to join WWF’s international Earth Hour campaign to take action on tackling climate change and to show they care about the future of our planet, ahead of the global lights-out event, due to take place on Saturday March 19 from 8:30pm to 9:30pm.
During the signing ceremony Hammad Naqi Khan, Director General WWF-Pakistan, said, “We are thrilled that members of the provincial assembly of Punjab are supporting Earth Hour this year and we hope that they will inspire others to get involved.”
Rana Muhammad Iqbal Khan, Speaker Punjab Assembly, pledged to put an end to the usage of plastic bags, “That’s why this Earth Hour I’m showing I care about the future of our country by making a special pledge for a low-carbon future.” Rana Mashood Ahmed Khan pledged to plant more trees and to observe Earth Hour in its true spirit.
AhmerYar Malik, MD Tourism Punjab, took pride in announcing that due to their efforts they have created an Eco Tourism Hub from KallarKahar to Soan Valley. “The picturesque Soan Valley in Khushab district of Central Punjab attracts a lot of tourists to its beautiful lakes, waterfalls, forests, natural springs, hills, the endangered Punjab urial, migratory birds in winters and preserved architectural sites,” said Muhammad Tanveer.“I pledge to promote eco-tourism further this year,” he added.
Every year Earth Hour inspires millions of people around the world to come together and switch off their lights for one hour in a symbolic act to show they care about the planet. Last year a record-breaking 172 countries and some of the world’s most Iconic buildings switched off their lights. This year the campaign’s theme is change climate change.
