Strict security: Lahore ready to host Erdogan

Foolproof plan devised for Turkish president’s visit to Walled City

LAHORE: Strict security arrangements have been made to ensure foolproof security on Turkish President Recep Tayyib Erdogan’s visit to Lahore on Thursday (today).

Erdogan arrived in Islamabad on Wednesday accompanied by a high-level entourage, including Turkish ministers and senior officials as well as a large business delegation.

The Turkish premier is scheduled to hold meetings with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and President Mamnoon Hussain in Islamabad and will also address a joint session of parliament, which has been boycotted by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf.

The Turkish delegation will leave for Lahore from Islamabad at 4:30pm and is expected to reach Lahore Fort at 7:30pm.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and other ministers will receive the Turkish president at the Lahore airport. The Turkish delegates will be taken to the Lahore Fort via Mall Road.



Security officials told The Express Tribune that more than 5,000 policemen have been  deployed in the city for the security of the visitors with personnel of Dolphin Squad, Flying Squad and Elite Police also deputed at sensitive spots.

Lahore Walled City chairperson Kamran Lashari has arranged a cultural programme at Lahore Fort for the Turkish president.

For the guests, about 100 rooms, including a presidential suite, have been booked at a five-star hotel in case they decide to stay. According to the schedule, the guests will be served dinner at 9pm.

Traffic diversions

The traffic police have also made a comprehensive traffic diversion plan to ensure smooth flow of traffic during the Turkish president’s visit. On November 17, vehicular traffic on roads adjoining the Lahore Fort would be diverted to other arteries.

As per plan, Aziz Bhatti Road/Mall Road, Lower Mall Road from Punjab Civil Secretariat to Lahore Fort, Circular Road, road from Lahore Railway Station to Greater Iqbal Park will remain closed for traffic. Greater Iqbal Park, Minar-e-Pakistan, Lahore Fort, and Hazuri Bagh would also remain closed for general public.

Similarly, traffic coming to Lahore from Ravi Road would be diverted to Ring Road. Vehicles aspiring to go out of city from Lorry Adda and Vegetable Market can use Ring Road.

Roads leading from Shimal Hill and Railway Station to Greater Iqbal Park will remain closed and would be diverted to GT Road through Garhi Shahu. Vehicles can have access to the Inner Circular Road from Ik Moria through Misri Shah.

Outfall Road will also remain closed for traffic coming from Saggian Ravi Bridge. No traffic would be allowed towards Lower Mall from Veterinary University and DIG Operations office.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 17^th, 2016.