LAHORE: As the ninth season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL-9) kicks off, the police in Lahore and Multan have unveiled foolproof security measures to ensure the smooth conduct of the cricket matches.

In Lahore, Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Bilal Siddique Kamyana chaired a security review meeting, revealing that over 7,000 policemen will be deployed for nine matches scheduled in the provincial capital.

Kamyana affirmed Lahore police’s commitment to ensuring comprehensive security for PSL matches, providing foolproof security to national and international players as well as cricket enthusiasts.

In Multan, City Police Officer (CPO) Sadiq Ali released an extensive security plan for the PSL matches to be held at the Multan Cricket Stadium. More than 6,000 police officers and soldiers will collectively ensure foolproof security during the event.

CPO Multan Sadiq Ali will personally oversee all security arrangements, with all police deployments being coordinated under the supervision of SSP Operations Multan Arsalan Zahid.

In addition to local police, Traffic Police, Elite Force, Pakistan Army, Rangers, Special Branch, and other law-enforcement agencies personnel will perform duties at various locations, including the cricket stadiums, airports, routes, parking points, hotels, and other places.

A large-scale search operation is currently under way in all important places and surrounding areas. Furthermore, a team of modernly trained and armed commandos, including lady commandos, will patrol around the stadium to deal with any emergency situation.

Parking for cricket fans coming to Multan Stadium will be arranged in Fatima Jinnah Town, with people being transported from the parking point to the stadium via a special shuttle bus service. Cricket buffs are required to carry their computerised national identity card for identification. The stadium has strict rules prohibiting firearms, toy guns, explosive materials, fireworks, cigarettes, matches, lighters, and any sharp objects such as knives and metal or wood.

Banners, posters, or placards containing discriminatory behaviour or obscene words based on religion or race are strictly prohibited. Cricket fans are also not allowed to throw any kind of object on the ground, at players, or fellow spectators. The use of drone cameras around the stadium is strictly banned.

The Multan police is committed to ensuring a safe and secure environment for the enjoyment of cricket fans.

These security measures reflect the commitment of the authorities to ensure the safety and security of all participants and spectators of PSL-9.

Published in Dawn, February 18th, 2024