May 22, 2015
LAHORE : Security has been heightened across the provincial metropolis while the surroundings of Qaddafi cricket stadium are sealed off with massive police deployment, as Lahore is all set to host the first international cricket match after more than six years.
Police and other security personnel are conducting search and security sweeps across the Punjab capital, where snap-checking and body search at police pickets has also been accelerated to hinder the movement of suspected persons.
On the orders of Lahore DIG (Operations) Haider Ashraf, the police observed general hold-up on Thursday by setting up special pickets in every nook and corner of the city. An official said that more than 30 suspects were also detained during the security sweep as they failed to produce identity papers.
The police on late Thursday sealed off all the roads, which leads to the stadium while search operations were carried out in the surroundings.
As per plan, all type of vehicular traffic will remain suspended on both sides of the main roads which leads to the Qaddafi stadium before the Zimbabwe cricket team would leave their hotel for the first T-20 match today (Friday).
At least three helicopters will be hovering over the sky to ensure aerial surveillance throughout the day.
Talking to The Nation, DIG Haider Ashraf said that more than 4000 police personnel are deployed to provide security to the cricket teams. Apart from motorcycle squads, the police would patrol on gun-fitted vehicles on all the roads leading to the stadium.
The city traffic police have also made a comprehensive plan to ensure smooth flow of traffic on the city roads particularly before and after the cricket match. The motorists are advised to use alternative routes to reach the stadium. The cops are directed to display their office-cards right on the upper side of their uniforms besides ensuring checking of each and every vehicle. Similarly, the police are also ordered to check official vehicles as well.
The cricket fans will be searched at three different points before entering to the stadium and walkthrough gates are installed on several points for this purpose.
The policemen deployed around the stadium and hotel, are also provided metal detectors for body search. Commandoes are also directed to remain on their toes while heavy vehicles would not be allowed on the specific roads. Also, snipers are deployed on the rooftop of multi-storey buildings to keep a vigilant eye on the activities of the suspected persons. An official said that a good number of plainclothesmen would also be deployed among the crowed in and outside the stadium to check the activities of troublemakers and miscreants.
Hundreds of policewomen are also deployed around the stadium to ensure physical checking of female spectators.
The police will also ensure proper snap checking before allowing any vehicle to move towards the parking lots.
Officials are expecting extraordinary rush of cricket-fans during the matches since the tickets are already sold like hot cakes in the town.
(The Nation)
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