KARACHI: Police on Saturday said that a foolproof security plan had been prepared for PSL matches, that started in the National Stadium on Saturday and would continue till Nov 17.

“The Karachi police have prepared a comprehensive foolproof security plan in connection with the PSL matches,” said a police spokesperson.

The plan was devised in a meeting attended by senior officers of police, army, and Rangers along with all stakeholders.

Later, army and police commandos conducted a combined mock exercise in preparation to deal with any untoward incident.

About 5,000 personnel of Karachi police, 1,538 personnel of security division, including 1,038 SSU commandos, 1,800 personnel of traffic police and 500 personnel of Special Branch will perform security duties along with personnel from other law enforcement agencies at National Stadium Karachi, Karachi airport, routes, hotels and other different areas, while sharpshooters would also be deployed at sensitive points.

Furthermore, seven SSPs and 16 DSPs of security division will perform their special duties.

Moreover, a specialised command and control bus will also be stationed at the stadium to monitor law and order situation in the surrounding areas.

A Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team comprising highly trained and well-equipped commandos, including lady commandos, will remain alert at the SSU headquarters as quick response force to handle any emergency situation.

The police spokesperson said that in the wake of security concerns till Nov 17, surrounding routes of the National Stadium will be closed during match timings for transport, and citizens were asked to use alternative routes, according to the statement issued by the spokesperson for the DIG Security and Emergency Services Division.

Published in Dawn, November 15th, 2020