Staff Reporter
Lahore: Under the guidance of Inspector General of Police Punjab, Dr. Usman Anwar, Punjab Police has completed its security arrangements for the ICC Champions Trophy. Dr. Usman Anwar said that the police force is committed to providing full security to both national and international players, officials, and cricket fans, ensuring that the matches are held in a peaceful and secure environment. He also mentioned that coordination with the Pakistan Cricket Board, district administration, and other security agencies has been finalized. Search operations, sweeps, combing operations, and intelligence-based operations are currently ongoing around players’ accommodations, routes, and stadiums.
Dr. Usman Anwar instructed officers and personnel to maintain tightened security during the matches and ensure the smooth flow of traffic. He emphasized that the Safe Cities Authority will monitor stadiums, hotels and team routes using surveillance cameras. Additional traffic wardens will be deployed to ensure uninterrupted traffic flow and facilitate proper parking arrangements. Dolphin Squad, Police Response Unit, and Elite Force teams will conduct effective patrolling during the matches. Police snipers will be positioned on tall buildings around the stadiums. Dr. Usman Anwar also directed the staff at the stadium’s entry and exit points to engage with the public courteously and relevant districts will issue traffic advisories ahead of the matches to maintain traffic flow. Dr. Usman Anwar urged cricket fans to follow the instructions of Punjab Police to ensure they can enjoy the matches in a safe environment. Over 12,000 police officers and personnel will be on duty for security during the matches in Lahore and Rawalpindi. This will include 18 senior officers, 54 DSPs, 135 inspectors, and 1,200 upper subordinates. Additionally, 10,556 constables and over 200 female police officers will be responsible for security and checking. During the matches in Lahore, 8,000 officers and personnel will be on duty, including 12 senior officers, 39 DSPs, 86 inspectors, and 700 upper subordinates. Furthermore, 6,673 constables and 129 lady constables will handle security and checking duties. In Rawalpindi, over 5,000 officers and personnel will be assigned security duties, including 6 senior officers, 15 DSPs, 50 inspectors, and 500 upper subordinates. Additionally, 4,000 constables and over 100 female personnel will carry out security and checking duties. Three matches will be held in Lahore on the 22nd, 26th February, and 5th March, while three matches will take place in Rawalpindi on the 24th, 25th, and 27th February.
