RAWALPINDI: Two lots have been designated for cricket fans’ car parking whereas 432 traffic wardens have been deployed across the city to streamline traffic disturbed by the cricket test match being played between England and Pakistan at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from Dec 1to 5.

On the other hand, the Pakistani authorities have provided the visiting UK cricket team the VVIP security protocol. More than 5,000 police personnel will be deployed to ensure foolproof security at the venue.

The City Traffic Police have chalked out a parking and diversion plan.

As part of the public awareness campaign, banners inscribed with traffic rules and directions to guide people coming to the stadium.

Traffic police spokesperson said 432 traffic police officers will be on duty during the cricket match, while two parking lots have been designated for cricket fans – one at the Civil Aviation Ground, Sheheen Chowk, Rawal Road, while the second parking lot had been designated at Government Degree College for Boys, 5th Road.

Shuttle service will be offered from parking lots to get to the cricket stadium, the spokesperson said, adding that the city traffic police aim to make things easier for cricket fans.

During the match, both sides of the Double Road will be completely closed from 9th Avenue Chowk to Muree Road. The traffic will be diverted to IJP Road while the traffic coming from 9th Avenue Islamabad from Rawalpindi Double Road will be able to enter Faizabad Islamabad via Murree Road.

At the time of departure and arrival of cricket teams, Murree Road will be closed from Faizabad to Double Road on both sides. The traffic coming from Islamabad will be diverted towards the expressway from Faizabad while the traffic going from Rawalpindi to Islamabad will be diverted to Saidpur Road.

Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Rawalpindi Taimoor Khan on this occasion said that for the convenience of the citizens during the match, awareness banners regarding alternative routes and parking have also been displayed on the main roads of Rawalpindi, while the City Traffic Police has posted information about the traffic situation through the official social media pages of Rawalpindi and radio station 88.6. Occasional awareness will also be provided.

On the other hand, the Rawalpindi district police have deployed more than 5,000 police personnel, including patrolling of Elite Force commandos and dolphin force, while sharp shooters have also been deployed on the rooftops of high-rise buildings located around the cricket stadium.

Police said that the police have been placed on high alert to ensure foolproof security as the police have been directed to fully implement SOPs regarding top level of security. The visiting UK cricket team have been provided VVIP security protocol during their visit.

Published in Dawn, December 1st, 2022