Foolproof security plan devised for Pak-NZ matches
The Rawalpindi Police have set up a foolproof security plan for the upcoming cricket matches to be played between Pakistan and New Zealand at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium Double Road, Shamsabad.
Police sources said over 6,000 police personnel will be deployed to perform security duties during the matches while it has also been decided to monitor matches from a special command post to ensure security arrangements.
It has also been decided to shut down all the places adjacent to the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium during the matches which include Double Road, Allama Iqbal Park, Food Street and Shehbaz Sharif Sports Complex.
Special sniper commandos will be deployed on the rooftops around the route and the stadium while the movement of the teams from the hotel to the stadium will be monitored with the help of CCTV cameras.
Police officials said that more than 6,000 officers and personnel will perform security duties
City Police Officer CPO Syed Khalid Mahmood Hamdani said that for the convenience of citizens, more than 370 traffic officers would be on duty for effective traffic arrangements.
Traffic wardens will provide alternative routes to the double road traffic. The route of the cricket teams will be monitored through CCTV cameras.
Meanwhile, special teams of elite commandos, dolphins and district police will patrol the cricket stadium and its surroundings.
Cricket fans will be able to enter the stadium after thorough checking through the designated route. All senior officers will periodically check and brief the officers and jawans posted on duty.
The police said that the best security and facilities will be ensured through inter-connection with the district administration and other institutions. The security arrangements will be monitored at all times through a special command post.
A police spokesperson said that separate parking will be arranged for cricket fans, from where the district administration will be obliged to bring the fans from the parking lot to the stadium through a shuttle service, while the metro bus service route will also be changed.
Rescue 1122 will be on high alert to deal with any emergency and provide medical cover to the players.
The spokesperson said that the Rawalpindi Police have played a key role in the restoration of international cricket in Pakistan and are committed to providing foolproof security for Pakistan versus New Zealand Cricket Series.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 19th, 2023.