Citizens’ help sought during cricket series

Punjab Chief Secretary Kamran Afzal said that the Australian team has been visiting Pakistan after a long time, “which is an honour for us and if traffic is stopped for a while then it is for the nation, we need people's support”.

Talking to the media during a media box tour of Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Wednesday, he said that a big match will be played in Rawalpindi and if traffic is stopped for a while then the citizens should bear it. It is better for all of us, there is no problem, we will ensure the security of the Australian team.

He said that all government agencies, security agencies, the Pakistan army and police will make the Pakistan-Australia series a success.

Afzal said that the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium has been divided into four sections and over 4,000 police personnel will be deployed.

“There are very good arrangements in Rawalpindi, trying to make the citizens suffer as little as possible during the match,” he said adding that the citizens also have to support us. Therefore, “we have reviewed the security arrangements”.

Talking to the media, Punjab Police Inspector-General Rao Sardar Ali Khan said that very good security arrangements have been put in place for the cricket series and security arrangements had been divided into four zones.

“Like the Pakistan Super League, the Pakistan-Australia cricket series will also be a success,” he said adding that for the convenience of the citizens, prior notice will be issued about alternative routes they may use during the test series and the security arrangements.

Meanwhile, Rawalpindi police have finalised security arrangements for the Test match to be played between Pakistan and Australia at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

Policemen will be deployed for security and all business centers including the food Street around the Stadium will remain closed during the match. Apart from this, snipers will also be deployed on the terraces around the Stadium, City Police Officer CPO Omar Saeed Malik said addressing a session held on Wednesday.

SSP Investigation Syed Ghazanfar Ali Shah, SSP Operations Wasim Riaz, SP CIA, SP Security and others participated. CPO said that the best security arrangements would be ensured for the Pakistan-Australia cricket series.

Meanwhile, City Traffic Police has finalised a comprehensive plan to ensure smooth flow of traffic on main roads adjoining the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

As many as 350 traffic police personnel would perform special duties during the matches to divert traffic on alternative routes.

Chief Traffic Officer Naveed Irshad said according to the plan, the Stadium Road from 9th Avenue Chowk to Double Road on both sides would remain completely closed during the match days.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 3^rd, 2022.