Former Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik has urged Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Maryam Nawaz to extend gym operating hours to 10 pm, sparking a wave of mixed reactions online, 24NewsHD TV reported on Monday.
Taking to X, Malik wrote, “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 would support a fitter Pakistan.”
The post drew strong reactions online, with many pushing back on Malik’s appeal. “Elites have their own problems. Fitness doesn’t need a gym. You can work out without a gym to keep fit,” one user wrote.
Another quipped, “Shoaib, why don’t you get up at 5 am?” A third user pointed to more pressing concerns, writing: “There is no electricity, no water, no food for the people, but what does it care about?”
Others sided with Malik. “Very good point, boss,” one user wrote, while another said, “Thank you for raising this issue.”