At least four bodybuilders have died in around 17 days in Punjab over the excessive use of steroids.
Earlier yesterday, Matloob Haider, who was a resident of Gujranwala, became the fourth bodybuilder to have died in Punjab over the last 17 days.
Last week a professional bodybuilder, Rizwan, a painter by profession, died in Gujranwala.
Before that on Sunday, Humayun Khurram, from Lahore who won the gold medal in the South Asian Bodybuilding Championship, died in mysterious circumstances.
According to family members of Khurram, he died when apparently his food trachea broke while having a meal. The family claimed that Khurram did not take any steroid.
Dr. Salman Rafique, special adviser to Punjab Chief Minister, said that he had already notified the district administrations of Lahore, Gujranwala and Sialkot to take necessary steps to prevent such incidents.
“We are trying to determine the actual cause of deaths of bodybuilders,” he said, adding that whoever is involved in selling prohibited steroids would be taken to task.
Ustad Riaz and Shani were accused of selling banned steroids in Gujranwala and Lahore respectively.
Another prominent bodybuilder Hamid Ali, nicknamed Gujju, passed away in Lahore in similar circumstances.
Gujju, who wanted to become Mr Pakistan, died on April 3, died just a few days after featuring in South Asian contest where he claimed the bronze medal.
