A thorough security strategy has been developed by the police in preparation for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches in Karachi for the protection of the players and officials taking part in the massive event.
The National Bank Cricket Arena will host nine matches as part of the cricket extravaganza, which will last in the city until February 26.
Speaking to the media on Monday, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Dr. Maqsood Ahmed, head of the police department’s security section, stated that 7,500 additional police officers will be deployed in the city as part of a watertight security plan that had been finalized in advance of the PSL matches.
Around 2,600 personnel of the Security Division, including:
- 1,000 Special Security Unit (SSU) male and female commandos
- 1,800 personnel of the traffic police
- 600 personnel of the Special Branch
- Other personnel of district police will be carrying out their duties along with other law enforcement agencies at the critical points.
The National Stadium, the airport in Karachi, roads, hotels, and other locations are among the vulnerable points, where sharpshooters have also been stationed.
As a quick reaction force to handle any incident, a Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit made up of highly skilled and armed commandos will be on high alert at the SSU Headquarters and monitor the area around the stadium.
To keep an eye on law and order in the area around the stadium, an SSU specialized command and control bus will also be stationed there.
According to DIG Ahmed, all drones and CNG-equipped cars are absolutely prohibited inside the stadium grounds. All roads will be accessible to traffic during match times, with the exception of one track on Sir Shah Suleman Road. The tracksuit SSU commandos will direct and assist spectators from the parking areas to the enclosures.
Additionally, in order to avoid standing in lengthy lines, fans have been urged to arrive at the stadium early. Three hours before the start of the game, all stadium gates will be open. Any firearms, including toy guns, explosives, cigarettes, matchboxes, and lighters, as well as anything sharp like knives and metal-wooden clubs, would not be permitted inside the stadium.
Any banner, poster, or placard displaying discrimination or obscene remarks on the grounds of race, religion or ethnicity is strictly forbidden. Spectators are not allowed to throw any objects onto the ground or at fellow spectators.
