Security disrupts life around stadium

RAWALPINDI:

The start of the tri-nation cricket series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium has brought stringent security measures that have disrupted routine life and commercial activity across the surrounding areas.

The city's largest central park, Allama Iqbal Park, has been sealed near the stadium, bringing recreational and jogging activities to a halt. The adjoining food street and food market have also been closed indefinitely, while a nearby petrol station has been sealed.

The Metro bus station stop has been temporarily suspended, while Double Road has been closed to both vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Access through the road leading towards the church has also been stopped, while shops, markets and workshops along Double Road have remained closed. Barriers have been erected around all four sides of the park, leaving businesses and social activities in the area severely disrupted.

Local residents, traders, food-street operators, hotels, roadside eateries and people living in adjoining neighbourhoods have expressed frustration, with some demanding that the cricket stadium be shifted elsewhere.

They said normal life had been brought to a standstill whenever cricket matches were held there over the past four years and called for a proper standard operating procedure to ensure security without paralysing the area.

Food-street traders Asghar Ali and Rehman said the food street was located on one side and their businesses should not be destroyed because of the matches.