First match played amid tight security

LAHORE: Amid tight security, the first match of the PSL was played on Tuesday. At least 18,000 police officials, along with officials of Pakistan Rangers and other law enforcement agencies were deployed for the provision of the five-layered security plan.

The area around two to three kilometres around the Qaddafi Stadium was sealed by using tents, barbed wires, and barricades. Spectators having the match tickets and original CNIC were allowed entry after a proper checking by biometric machines. They were checked at least five points before entering to the stadium.  They were asked to pass through walk-through gates and checked with metal detectors.

Closed-circuit cameras were also installed in and around the stadium as well as on the route of the teams. These cameras were also being monitored through a control room of the Punjab Safe City Authority at Qurban Lines.



Aerial surveillance of the route of the teams and Qaddafi Stadium was conducted using a helicopter and drone cameras. Teams of Dolphin Squad and Police Response Unit remained on patrol around the area. Police had also set up pickets on nearby roads to check the citizens.

Snippers were deployed nearby rooftops to keep an eye on any suspicious person or activity.  The stadium was checked and searched before the match using sniffer dogs and the bomb disposal squad. The force also set up safe houses on the route of the team to shift players in case there was an untoward incident.

A day earlier, a full dress rehearsal was conducted and police also launched search operations in nearby areas.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 21^st, 2018.