KARACHI: Sindh Police Chief Dr Syed Kaleem Imam has said a special security plan has been made for staging the matches of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) including final at National Stadium in a befitting manner.

“We’ve prepared a comprehensive plan using latest technology for the smooth organising of matches starting from March 9 and culminating with the final on March 16,” Imam told newsmen after formally inaugurating Dr Mohammad Ali Shah Sindh Police Cricket Ground and Sports Complex at KDA Scheme No I on Wednesday.

He said besides deploying extra security in the city, forces have also been deployed at the Sindh-Balochistan and Sindh-Punjab borders to monitor movements of the people.

He hoped Karachiites will enjoy the PSL encounters and will once again prove that the city is safe for hosting the international sporting events.

Referring to the law and order situation in the run up to the PSL the IG Sindh pointed out that law enforcement agencies have arrested a number of criminals by conducting raids on the hideouts in the metropolis.

He went on to say that around 2500 Policemen have lost their lives in the city to restore peace besides civilians and many suffered injuries.

Imam, who is a former Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) president, vowed to revive department’s sports by organising Police Olympics and extend invitation to other provinces also in the near future.

He disclosed that Sindh Police has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Asghar Ali Shah Foundation for reviving department’s sports facilities as physical fitness is integral part of their job.

Paying tributes to the late Orthopaedic surgeon the IG recalled he knew him since long and hoped his children will carry forward the legacy. He termed the creating of sports complex as a ‘wonderful initiative’.

At the outset, the IG unveiled the plaque and cut the ribbon to formally inaugurate the complex. He also went around the ground.

Outlining salient features Dr Syed Junaid Ali Shah said the sports complex project has been adopted by Asghar Ali Shah Foundation with the help of KDA after eradicating illegal encroachments.

He recalled that it was a dream of his late father to revive this ground which has now come true.

Later talking to Dawn he said the facility is spread over six-and-a-half acres of land and upon completion will provide free access to all sportspersons of the city including athletes of Police.

According to master plan, besides the cricket ground, the facilities that will be developed in the sports complex includes futsal, mini hockey field, basketball court, two tennis courts, two squash courts, facilities for snooker, table tennis, badminton, Olympic size swimming pool, club house and a gymnasium.

He said approximately Rs120m will be required to complete the project in phases.

The ceremony was attended by senior police officers, MPA Dr Imran Ali Shah and Asma Shah.

Published in Dawn, March 7th, 2019