Police, Rangers conduct security drill for T20 series

Army soldiers demonstrate evacuation of spectators in case of terror attack

KARACHI:

Police and law enforcement agencies conducted a full dress rehearsal on Monday for the T20 International series between Pakistan and England.

The four matches of the seven-match series between the two countries will be played at the National Stadium Karachi, starting Tuesday. Sindh police Special Services Unit (SSU) took part in a drill in which Pakistan Army commandos practiced vacating the players in case of emergency.

The Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) teams of police conducted an exercise for neutralising a terror threat, while the bomb disposal squad officials canned the stadium. A rehearsal session was conducted to bring the teams from the hotel to the stadium and back under presidential security arrangements. Rangers, police and traffic police also participated in the rehearsal. The fire brigade, ambulances and a helicopter were also included in the rehearsal. The concerned staff also conducted relief activities for medical assistance in an emergency.

Traffic plan

The Karachi traffic police on Monday issued its traffic plan for the England-Pakistan Twenty20 series.

According to the police spokesperson, parking arrangement has been made for spectators at the Karachi Expo Centre. Parking for media people has been arranged at the National Coaching Centre.

As per police no traffic would be allowed from Liaquatabad to Stadium Road via the Hassan Square flyover on match days.

Furthermore, it said that general public would also not be allowed to turn left from Expo Centre for Stadium Road. It added that the commuters will have to take the alternate University Road route, while the route from Stadium Road to Hassan Square flyover will also remain open for the public.

All set for Pak-England match

The income from the gate money of the first match will be given to the flood victims, officials said adding preparations for the first match continued till late night. The preparation of wickets was finalised under the supervision of Chief Curator Agha Zahid.

The process of installing advertisement hoardings continued, while foreign broadcaster crews completed installation of their equipment.

Rainwater was still present around the stadium and the efforts to dry up the place continued till late in the night. However, open manholes and open sewage drains pose danger to spectators.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 20^th, 2022.