Security arrangements for Pak, Sri Lanka cricket matches finalised

Over 4,753 police, security personnel deployed to ensure security

Security arrangements for the one-day cricket series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka have been finalised. Over 4,753 police and security personnel will be deployed to ensure security for the three-match tour.

East Zone Police will post over 3,500 officials around the National Stadium for the cricket matches which will be held between September 27 and October 2, with the first match taking place on Friday.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, East SSP Ghulam Azfar Mahesar said that officials of the district police, Special Security Unit, Sindh Reserve Police, Rapid Response Force, Special Branch and Bomb Disposal Squads will be deployed. Besides, areas surrounding the National Stadium will be closed for traffic and snipers will be deployed on tall buildings in the area. According to the SSP, the routes of the team will be monitored through surveillance cameras.

There will be four parking points for the people going to see the match. The parking spots would be at Ghareeb Nawaz Ground, Dalmia, Expo Centre, Urdu University Ground and Rana Liaquat Ali College.

Mahesar said that the match will begin at 3pm and continue till 11pm. Spectators will be allowed to bring mobile phones but security personnel will ensure prohibition of the items mentioned on the ticket for the match.

According to South Zone Police, around 1,253 officers will be deployed on the route from the stadium to the hotel where both the teams and their officials will be residing. A crisis management cell will also be set-up in South zone along with one control room.

Police officers and other security personnel will be deployed at three hospitals in case of any emergency. Besides, 17 mobiles, 36 motorcycles and three armoured personnel carrier (APC) will also be available.

Traffic DIG Javed Ali Mehar said that 2,000 traffic police officers will be posted to ensure the normal flow of traffic around the National Stadium, Sharae Faisal and other areas. A shuttle service will be available to take spectators from the parking area to the stadium.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 24^th, 2019.