CM reviews security arrangements, traffic plan for PSL

Buzdar directs authorities concerned to ensure peaceful and secure environment to cricket lovers

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar has said foolproof security arrangements would be made for Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches.

He said fans and players would be treated to the best arrangements.

Presiding over a high-level meeting held to review the traffic and security plan for the PSL on Saturday, Buzdar said all arrangements should be at par with international standards. “Cricket lovers will be provided with the best facilities inside and outside of the stadium. We will ensure that matches are held in a peaceful and secure environment,” he added.

The chief minister said cultural shows would be arranged on the roadside from the parking area to the stadium. “This is a matter of great honour for Pakistan. We will ensure that matches are held in a peaceful environment,” he asserted. “The traffic plan will be strictly implemented so that people do not face problems during matches.”

Buzdar said citizens should be informed about alternative routes in the traffic plan. The meeting also decided to run a shuttle service from the parking area to the stadium for cricket fans. “Food arrangements will be made for staff performing duties during the matches. The best arrangements should be made and there will be no compromise on the standard and quality.”

He said people would enjoy international standard cricket during the four PSL matches in Lahore. “Events like PSL will promote the soft image of Pakistan and revive the glory of our stadiums. The lively people of Lahore want to see their favourite players,” the CM remarked.

The additional home chief secretary briefed the meeting about the security plan made for the matches. The CTO Lahore spoke about the traffic plan during matches.

Punjab Minister for Sports Taimour Khan, the chief secretary, General Office Commanding 10 Division Major General Muhammad Aamer, IGP, Spokesman for Punjab Chief Minister Dr Shahbaz Gill, additional chief secretary home, CCPO Lahore, Lahore commissioner, secretary information, secretary sports and other senior officers of military and civilian institutes were present in the meeting.

The Pakistan Super League 2019, or PSL 4, is the fourth season of the PSL, a franchise Twenty20 cricket league which was established by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in 2015. The tournament is taking place from February 14 till March 17, 2019 and will have a total of 34 matches. The opening ceremony of the PSL 4 was held on February 14 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, prior to the first match of the season.

For last year’s matches in the provincial capital, the city police provided five-tier security. The five security checks included aerial surveillance of the venue, live monitoring through CCTV cameras, a walled premises, physical frisking and walkthrough gates where the crowd was checked with metal detectors. A five-step security detail was also set up for Gaddafi Stadium and the players’ residence.

The team’s route from the hotel to the stadium, as well as the interior and exterior of the venue, was constantly monitored through CCTV cameras. A control room was set up at the Punjab Safe City Authority in Qurban Lines. The roads and streets leading to the stadium remained cordoned off with barricades and barbed wires. At least 10,000 police officials, alongside Pakistan Rangers, were deployed for security. Every crowd member was required to provide verification through biometrics and their CNIC.