Summary Shoaib Malik has urged Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to extend gym operating hours to 10pm, citing public health needs amid new business timing restrictions.
LAHORE (Dunya News) – Former Pakistan cricket captain Shoaib Malik has called on Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to extend operating hours for fitness and health gyms across the province, highlighting concerns over limited access for working individuals.
In a post on X, Malik appealed to the provincial leadership to allow gyms to remain open until 10pm. He noted that while regulating business hours is a positive step, facilities linked to health and fitness require special consideration due to their role in public wellbeing.
Respected CM @MaryamNSharif, while timely regulation of businesses is a welcome step, I reckon gyms and fitness centers deserve special consideration. Many office-goers work out after duty hours only. Health is as important as food, and extending gym timings to 22:00 as well…
— Shoaib Malik (@realshoaibmalik) April 27, 2026
Malik emphasised that many people are only able to visit gyms after completing their office hours, making early closures restrictive for a significant segment of the population. He added that maintaining good health is as essential as proper nutrition, and extending gym timings would support broader efforts to promote fitness across the country.
The appeal comes as the Punjab government implements austerity measures under directives issued by Maryam Nawaz. According to an official notification, shops, markets and shopping malls across the province, including those in Lahore, are required to close by 8pm as part of energy-saving and cost-cutting efforts.
These restrictions have prompted discussions among business owners and the public regarding their impact on daily routines and access to essential services, with fitness facilities emerging as a focal point in the ongoing debate over operating hours.
