RAWALPINDI: Police have issued a security and traffic plan for the third Test match between Pakistan and England starting from October 24 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

More than 4,000 police, including traffic police and Punjab Constabulary, will be deployed to ensure foolproof security and smooth flow of traffic.

In addition to 3,960 police personnel, including 10 teams of Dolphin Force, 648 Elite Force commandos, 130 women police and Punjab Constabulary, 370 traffic police personnel will be performing duty on the occasion.

A senior official of the City Traffic Police said that 11 diversions will be put in place as the Double Road near the stadium will remain closed during the Test match.

Special arrangements have been made to keep the traffic flowing on alternative routes during the match and movement of the players. Information banners regarding alternative routes and parking will be placed on the main roads to guide the commuters.

Along with the display, moment-to-moment awareness about the traffic situation will be provided through the official pages and FM radio station of the police.

A Police spokesman said that more than 370 traffic police officers and officials will perform special duties, including eight DSPs/circle in-charges, 40 inspectors/sector in-charges, 318 wardens and assistant wardens.

During the movement of the cricket teams, special arrangements have been made to keep the traffic flowing on alternative routes. Additional personnel have been deployed and parking facilities provided at five places.

Shuttle service facilities will be provided to cricket lovers to reach the stadium. Murree Road will be closed from Faizabad to Double Road during the arrival and departure of the teams and divisions will be put in place while traffic going from Rawalpindi to Islamabad will be able to enter Islamabad using 6th Road and Saidpur Road.

Traffic coming from Ghousia Chowk will be diverted to Farooq Azam Road, Kuri Road.

Meanwhile, traffic coming from Islamabad via 9th Avenue can enter Rawalpindi via Faizabad, Expressway and IJP Road from Pandora Chungi, Katarian, Carriage Factory, Pirwadhai Mor, Chowk while those going to 9th Avenue from Rawalpindi can enter Islamabad from Faizabad through Murree Road.

The spokesman said that for the convenience of citizens and to keep traffic flowing on alternative routes, parking awareness banners will also be displayed at different points.

He said that through traffic police’s official social media pages and FM radio station, the citizens will also be informed about the diversion points and the traffic situation.

Published in Dawn, October 23rd, 2024