RAWALPINDI: In the wake of the prevailing security situation, the police have sealed hotels, inns and hostels located along the route from Faizabad to Double Road turn, Iqbal Park and areas surrounding the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
The decision was taken to ensure foolproof security for the ongoing One-Day International (ODI) series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi.
The move came about in the wake of the suicide bombing outside the Islamabad district courts on Tuesday that left 12 people dead and 36 injured.
Before the sealing, the premises were searched and swept with sniffer dogs and other security gadgets. Surety bonds were also to be acquired from the building owners.
Blockade of Faizabad and Double Road adds to hardship of commuters already facing gridlocks after closure of Kutchery Chowk
The schedule of the ODI series was also slightly revised. The second ODI, which was originally scheduled for November 13, will now be played on Nov 14. Similarly, the third ODI previously set for Nov 15 has been rescheduled to Nov 16.
City Police Officer Syed Khalid Hamdani directed the senior superintendent of Special Branch, SPs of Rawal, Potohar and Saddar divisions, SDPO and SHOs New Town and Sadiqabad to enhance the security measures.
The officers have been directed to obtain surety bonds from owners of hotels and inns that they would keep their premises shut till the end of the cricket series, and would not allow any guest to stay there.
In addition, searching and sweeping bus terminals by the bomb disposal squads will be carried out and Special Branch personnel will be deployed there to keep vigilance on suspicious persons.
Moreover, fruit, ice and other vendors and shops located along the roads from Faizabad to Double Road and IJP Road turn will be closed.
Search operations
Police conducted search operations in different areas of the garrison city and arrested 56 illegal Afghan residents, including one who was on the police wanted list.
The search operations included checking the records of 1,350 homes, 183 shops, 33 hotels and more than 1,300 people.
During the search operations, nine junkyards, eight bus terminals, four markets and tenancy records of tenants were also checked.
Search operations were conducted in the areas of Thana City, Bani, Waris Khan, New Town, Sadiqabad, Pirwadhai, Ratta Amral, Ganjmandi, Kallar Syedan, Rawat, Chontra, Gujar Khan, Dhamial, Saddar Wah, Naseerabad, Morgah and Civil Lines.
“All resources are being utilised to establish the rule of law and peace and order,” a police spokesman said.
Road blockades adds to gridlocks
Thousands of commuters and residents, already facing problems due to the closure of Kutchery Chowk for its remodeling and the diversion of traffic on alternative dilapidated roads, have to pass through another ordeal because of the closure of Faizabad and Double Road for the cricket matches.
Shopkeepers, traders and residents of the surrounding areas have been passing through distress as their businesses are closed, public movement is restricted and people are only allowed to move when the security clamp is relaxed.
Majority of the commuters have either changed their daily life schedule or decided to work from home as they can never estimate how long they have to remain stuck in traffic mess.
Published in Dawn, November 14th, 2025
