LAHORE: In view of the T-20 cricket matches to be held in the city, a comprehensive security plan has been finalised, in consultation with all the allied departments, including district administration, security agencies and the Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA).
Presided over by Lahore Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Additional IG Ghulam Mahmood Dogar, a meeting on Saturday approved deployment of 8,000 police personnel for the security during the three T-20 cricket matches to be played between Pakistan and England teams at Qaddafi Stadium from September 28.
Pledging foolproof security for the matches venue, players and the spectators Mr Dogar said foreign players, staff and media would get the status of state guests during their visit to Lahore.
“More than 8,000 police officers and officials would be deployed during the three matches to be played in Lahore”, he said.
The divisional SPs would personally check the security measures taken on the route of the teams and at their residential places.
The CCPO ordered search and sweep operations in different areas of the city, particularly around cricket stadium and residences of the guests.
He said no official would be allowed to leave his/her place of duty till the last spectator left the stadium.
He directed City Traffic Officer Muntazir Mehdi to ensure alternative traffic arrangements for the convenience of citizens and provide “zero route” during the movement of the both teams. Dogar was informed that pickets would be set up at more than 200 places during the matches to check suspicious persons and vehicles.
He also ordered security audit of the Lahore High Court, session court, sub-courts, private and government Chinese installations and residences. He ordered SPs to get the support of Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) to register the employees and labour of industrial and commercial establishments. He ordered connecting of the monitoring cameras installed at these check post at the city’s entry and exit points with the PSCA headquarters.
Mr Dogar showed his concern over poor implementation of the National Action Plan in registration of cases of aerial firing, display of weapons and violations of Tenant Act and the Loudspeaker Act.
DIG Operations Lahore Afzaal Ahmad Kausar said due to effective crime control strategy and measures of Lahore police, during the last two months, there had been a significant reduction in the number of calls made to 15 helpline regarding crimes against property.
(Daily Dawn)
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