RAWALPINDI: The England cricket team is expected to arrive in Islamabad on Nov 27 despite the possibility of political unrest in the garrison city due to PTI’s sit-in at Faizabad on Murree Road.

England’s first Test in Pakistan is scheduled to start in Rawalpindi from Dec 1.

However, according to sources, the PTI’s sit-in regarding the Haqeeqi Azaadi march at Faizabad scheduled on Nov 26will be dispersed before the sunset (Maghrib) on Saturday.

The PTI Rawalpindi district president, in his request to the district administration for provision of security and others, including festivity equipment to be installed at the venue has not mentioned whether the gathering will enter Islamabad.

Earlier, the City Police Officer had issued a directive to all the Sub Divisional Police Officers and Station House Officers of the district to ensure that during the PTI long march, no picture or video of any officer or official’s political slogans, political affiliation should be displayed. Besides, no officer or official will upload any political post or video on social media. He further warned that if the police officials were found violating the directives, strict departmental action will be taken against the person responsible.

All the SDPO’s and SHO’s of the district will give a briefing to all the officers and employees about this and send the pictures of the briefing to SDPOS’ SHO’s WhatsApp group anddmucporwp@gmail.com.

On the other hand SSP Operations Wasim Riaz Khan visited Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium to review security situation and other arrangements for Pakistan England Cricket Series.

SDPO New Town Waqas Khan and other senior officers also accompanied the SSP operations.

SSP Operations Waseem Riaz Khan visited the entrance gates, parking, adjoining buildings, markets, double road, Allama Iqbal Park and Murree Road.

SSP Operations was briefed regarding the foolproof security and traffic arrangements for Pakistan England Cricket Series.

All resources are being utilized for foolproof security arrangements for the match.

Published in Dawn, November 22nd, 2022