England cricket team to be state guests

More than 8,000 officials to be deployed for security of players and citizens during the three matches

LAHORE:

Capital City Police Officer Ghulam Mahmood Dogar has vowed to ensure peaceful conduct of Pakistan-England T-20 cricket matches to be held at Gaddafi Stadium from September 28.

Presiding over a meeting on Saturday, he said foreign players, officials and media persons would get the status of state guests during their visit to Lahore. Foolproof security would be provided to the players and citizens during the three matches, he added.

A comprehensive security and traffic plan has been finalised in consultation with all the relevant departments, including the district administration, security agencies and Punjab Safe Cities Authority, the CCPO said. More than 8,000 officials will be deployed during the three matches.

Search and sweep operations are being conducted in various areas of the city, particularly around the cricket stadium and residences of the guests, the official added.

No official would be allowed to leave his or her place of duty till every spectator has left the stadium.

The CCPO directed CTO Muntazir Mehdi to ensure alternative traffic arrangements for the convenience of citizens during the movement of both teams.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 25^th, 2022.