Former Pakistan cricket captain Shoaib Malik has made a public appeal to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif regarding business timing regulations in the province.
He has specifically requested special concessions for gyms and fitness centers.
The appeal comes after recent government measures to close commercial outlets earlier in the evening.
Shoaib Malik’s appeal on social media
Shoaib Malik addressed Maryam Nawaz Sharif through the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), praising the government’s efforts to regulate business timings.
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
However, he emphasized that gyms and fitness centers should be treated differently due to their health-related importance.
He suggested that extending gym hours would help promote a healthier lifestyle across Punjab.
Demand for extended gym timings
In his message, Malik highlighted that many office workers are only able to exercise after completing their jobs.
He argued that health is just as important as food and daily essentials.
According to him, extending gym timings until 10 PM (22:00) would allow more people to maintain fitness routines despite busy schedules.
Punjab Government’s Recent Decision
The request comes shortly after the Punjab government issued a notification on the instructions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.
Under this directive, shops, markets, and shopping malls across the province are to close at 8 PM.
The move has been introduced as part of broader austerity and energy-saving measures.
Shoaib Malik stressed that gyms play a key role in public health and fitness, especially for working individuals.
He described the extension of gym hours as a positive step toward building a “healthy and strong Pakistan.”
His statement has sparked discussion around balancing energy conservation policies with lifestyle and health needs.
