LAHORE: The Punjab government has identified several security lapses while the English cricket team is in Lahore and scheduled to play three matches that began on Wednesday.

The other two matches are scheduled to be played on Sept 30 and Oct 2.

The Special Branch of the police department has received a specialised proforma from the field duty officers and found that only 70pc security protocols are being followed.

Sources told Dawn that the public got the ‘opportunity’ to speak to the English players during their stay at the hotel. It was also found that two Pakistani players, who were supposed to stay at the hotel during the tour, went to their homes in Lahore without seeking prior permission.

The government has also objected to the organisers’ decision to keep the English team on the eighth and ninth floor of the hotel and stressed that the team should be accommodated on the second and third floor.

The Punjab government has instructed that all lapses should be plugged and 99pc compliance of security protocols be ensured. The matter has also been brought into the notice of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

Meanwhile, the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Law and Order reviewed overall situation of law and order in Punjab, including security and other arrangements for the visiting cricket team. The committee expressed its concern over the number of generators hired for cricket series. The district administration and the PCB were instructed to look into alternative energy sources owing to the looming threat of smog.

Chairing the cabinet sub-committee meeting, Parliamentary Affairs and Environment Minister Basharat Raja expressed concern over interaction of the general public with the English players during their stay at the hotel.

“The English team has been given VVIP status by the government,” he said.

Raja directed that all concerned should ensure minimum traffic problems for the citizens during the movement of the visiting team. The committee also reviewed overall situation of law and order in Punjab, including security and other arrangements for the foreign team.

Punjab Home Minister retired Col Muhammad Hashim Dogar assured the meeting that implementation of the security protocols for the visiting team would be ensured. The cabinet committee meeting was also informed that the Pakistan Junior League would begin in Lahore on Oct 6. The Under-19 cricket matches would continue till Oct 21 and showcase some foreign players including Darren Sammy.

Chief Secretary Abdullah Khan Sumbal, Inspector General of Police Faisal Shahkar, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) retired Capt Asadullah, the CCPO, the commissioner and others attended the meeting.

Published in Dawn, September 29th, 2022