RAWALPINDI: Police have chalked out a comprehensive security and traffic plan with 5,500 policemen and 370 traffic police to ensure a smooth traffic flow in the city during T-20 cricket matches between Pakistan and New Zealand.

According to sources, a foolproof security plan has been chalked out for the New Zealand team which arrived in Islamabad on a special flight from Lahore on Tuesday to play two T20 one-day cricket matches on April 20 and April 24.

According to traffic police, 370 traffic police officers and wardens have been deployed for the matches, while special arrangements have been made for traffic flow on alternate highways.

Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Taimoor Khan said the traffic will be diverted to alternative routes for a minimum period of time during the arrival and departure of the teams from the stadium.

At the time of arrival and departure of the teams, the traffic coming from Islamabad will be diverted to the Expressway from Faizabad. The traffic going from Rawalpindi to Islamabad will be diverted from 6th Road to Saidpur Road.

During the cricket match, Stadium Road will be completely closed on both sides from 9th Avenue Chowk to Double Road. According to the alternate traffic plan, the traffic coming from Islamabad 9th Avenue will be able to enter Rawalpindi through Faizabad and IJP Road.

During the cricket match, traffic from Faizabad will be able to enter Islamabad through Double Road and 9th Avenue. Parking facilities have been provided at three places for the convenience of cricket fans, said the CTO.

Parking will be arranged at Civil Aviation Ground, Shehbaz Sharif Park near Shaheen Chowk, and Graduate Degree College Satellite Town. Information banners regarding alternative routes and parking will also be displayed on main roads to assist cricket fans.

Foolproof security plan

On the other hand, the Rawalpindi district police, headed by City Police Officer Syed Khalid Hamdani, chalked out a foolproof security plan, involving Rawalpindi and Attock police, for the T20 cricket matches between Pakistan and New Zealand.

Punjab Constabulary (PC) contingents with anti-riot gear have also been called to assist the Rawalpindi police, while water cannons will remain on stand-by positions at the Police Lines.

Published in Dawn, April 19th, 2023