LAHORE: The former Pakistan Test cricketer Shoaib Malik has appealed to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to reconsider current restrictions on gym and fitness center operating hours, urging flexibility to better accommodate the public.
In this regard, Shoaib Malik acknowledged that regulating business activities in a timely and structured manner is a positive and necessary step. However, he focused on that fitness centers deserve special consideration due to their role in promoting public health and well-being.
Malik mentioned that a significant number of working individuals rely on evening hours to engage in physical exercise. According to him, limiting gym timings creates challenges for office-goers who are unable to access such facilities during the day due to professional commitments.
He noted that this restriction may unintentionally discourage people from maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
“Health is as essential as food,” Malik stated, underlining the importance of regular physical activity in daily life.
He suggested that extending gym operating hours until 10:00 PM would provide greater convenience to the public and encourage more people to incorporate fitness into their routines.
The former cricketer further added that promoting physical health can contribute to building a more active and healthier society. He urged authorities to adopt a balanced approach that supports both regulatory measures and the well-being of citizens.
The appeal comes at a time when discussions around public health, lifestyle, and access to fitness facilities are gaining attention across the province. Stakeholders in the fitness industry have also expressed similar concerns, advocating for policies that align with the needs of working individuals.
While no official response has yet been issued by the provincial government, Malik’s statement has sparked conversation among citizens and fitness enthusiasts, many of whom support the proposal for extend
