Law enforcement agencies secure surroundings of stadium, key points

LAHORE: The first match of Pak-Bangladesh cricket series held at Qaddafi Stadium passed peacefully on Friday amid strict security arrangements while gridlocks were also witnessed at the main arteries of the provincial capital.

At least 10,000 police officials were deployed on the occasion to secure the event. The roads and openings leading to the stadium were blocked using barbed wires tents and barricades.

The Bangladeshi team had been given the status of state guest.

The venue and surroundings were checked by sniffer dogs, the Bomb Disposal Squad and other security experts. Capital City Police Officer Lahore Zulfiqar Hameed, DIG Operations Rai Babar Saeed and SSP Operations Muhammad Naveed themselves reviewed the arrangements.

The participants were allowed entry from six entry points. After parking the vehicle at the designated points they were transported to the venue through shuttle service. Only those participants who were carrying CNIC and tickets were allowed entry. The venue was also well-guarded from all sides.

The participants were allowed entry to the venue after checking at three points; physical frisking, checking with metal detectors and passing through walk-through gates. Aerial surveillance was also conducted. The Punjab Safe City Authority (PSCA) cameras were engaged for the purpose of surveillance and monitoring of the security arrangements.

Snipers were deployed on nearby rooftops to keep an eye on any suspicious person or activity. The teams of Dolphin Squad, Elite and Police Response Unit teams remained patrolled around the stadium to keep an eye on any suspicious person or activity as well respond to any emergency situation. Men in civvies were also deployed on the occasion.

All these arrangements were supervised by a control room established at Punjab Safe City Authority Lahore. Paramilitary forces also remained on standby. Rescue 1122 had also set up a centre to respond to any emergency situation.

The blockade of roads to secure venue and protests in the city also caused traffic congestion. City traffic police Lahore had set up diversions at different points of the city including Mall Road, Ferozepur Road and Main Boulevard.

The blockade on these roads caused a nuisance to the public as the blockade caused congestion. The commuters had to go extra miles to reach their destinations that drenched not only their time but resources.

A few citizens also showed up at social media to vent their frustration. One commented, “cricket is home and we are at roads.”