06 March 2004	Saturday	14 Muharram 1425

KARACHI, March 5: Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad, on Friday, directed that all arrangements for one-day international cricket match between Pakistan and India should be completed by March 10.

He said the focus of these arrangements should be on holding of this international event in a conducive and congenial environment. He was speaking at a high-level meeting held to review all the arrangements in detail at Governor House on Friday.

He directed the city government to examine the possibility of installing big size screens in various towns so that a large segment of population, which could not witness the match in stadium, could be entertained.

The governor also appealed to people to fully cooperate in successful holding of this international event and help develop a better image of Karachi in the world. He said the match should be watched with a sportsman's spirit no matter which team wins.

He directed the cricket board authorities to take every step to ensure the functionality of computers installed at the gates to check entry tickets so that no chaos or inconvenience takes place. In addition to the stalls for eatables and provision of drinking water, toilets should also be maintained in tidy condition, he said.

Mr Ibad called for effective advertisement regarding traffic routes for the day and said that side-by-side the security arrangements for the match, safety measures should also be taken for other parts of the city. He directed that arrangements for transport shuttle service from parking spots up to stadium be arranged.

Earlier, the inspector-general of police and the district coordination officer briefed the governor about security and administrative matters. He was told that intelligence network would be kept functional for the occasion along with deployment of police and Rangers. He was informed that installation of surveillance cameras and aerial surveillance would also be arranged.

The governor expressed hope that this match would become a source of increased hustle and bustle in the city and help promote better relationship between Pakistan and India.

Chief Secretary Dr Mutawakkal Kazi, Principal Secretary Brig (Retd) Akhtar Zamin, DG Rangers Maj Gen Javed Zia, IG Police Syed Kamal Shah, Additional Chief Secretary Home, City Nazim, DCO, CCPO, DIG Operations, and officials of cricket board were also present at the meeting.

Later, the governor alongwith officials visited the National Stadium and had an on-the-spot appraisal. He also issued directives for further improvement in the arrangements made so far.

Besides going round various sections of the stadium, the governor also saw the outside arrangements. In the general enclosure, the governor asked for free supply of water to spectators and improved facilities. -APP