LAHORE: As many as 5,000 policemen will be deployed to ensure security of the participants and spectators of Pakistan vs England Test matches in Multan.

The Test series will commence on Oct 7 at Multan Cricket Stadium. The first two Test matches of the three-match series will be played in Multan while the third will be held in Rawalpindi.

Multan City Police Officer (CPO) Sadiq Ali Dogar has issued a security plan for the two Test matches.

More than 5,000 police officers and personnel will be on duty to ensure foolproof security during the matches

Multan CPO Mr Dogar will oversee all security arrangements. The police personnel will be deployed at all locations under the supervision of Multan SSP Operations Hassan Raza Khakhi.

In addition to Multan police, traffic police, Elite Force, Pakistan Army, Rangers, Special Branch and other law-enforcement agencies’ officers and personnel will be on duty at the stadium, airport, routes, parking points, residences and various other locations.

A large-scale search operation is being conducted at all important locations and surrounding areas. Furthermore, a team of armed commandos, including lady commandos, will patrol around the stadium to handle any emergency situation.

For cricket fans coming to the stadium, parking will be arranged at Fatima Jinnah Town. Fans will be transported from Fatima Jinnah Town parking point to the stadium via a special shuttle bus service.

The police also devised special instructions for cricket fans and directed them to carry their national identity cards. No firearms, toy guns, explosives, firecrackers, cigarettes, matches, lighters, or any sharp objects like knives and metal or wooden items are allowed inside the stadium. Any banners, posters, or placards with discriminatory or obscene content based on religion or race are strictly prohibited.

Fans are not allowed to throw any objects on the ground, players, or fellow spectators. The use of drone cameras within the stadium premises is strictly prohibited.Meanwhile, the Multan district administration claim to have finalised all preparations for the Test series.

Deputy Commissioner Waseem Hamid Sandhu conducted a detail inspection of the stadium, nearby hotels and the routes that would be used by the teams and spectators.

He was accompanied by Additional Deputy Commissioner General Muhammad Saif and other district and police officials, who provided a detailed briefing on the arrangements.

The DC said the route from Ramada Hotel DHA to cricket stadium will pass through Mati Tal, Northern Bypass and Vehari Road.

Published in Dawn, October 2nd, 2024