Daily Times

KARACHI: The Sindh Police and government officials rolled out on Monday the security plan for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) final which is set to be played in Karachi’s National Stadium on March 25. DIG Traffic Imran Yaqoob Minhas said a total of 8,500 police personnel would be deployed around the stadium for the event. Spectators will have to pass through security gates at the stadium’s entrance and after which they will only be allowed to carry their cellphones inside the stadium. Carrying power banks will be proscribed.

Certain roads surrounding the stadium will be closed for traffic at 11:00 am. Rangers personnel will be responsible for the security inside the venue, while police and other forces will secure the stadium from the outside. The routes leading to Hassan Square and New Town and the Dalmia road will be closed for traffic during the match. Notwithstanding, the roads leading to both private hospitals on the Stadium Road will remain open for use. Sharea Faisal and Shahrah-e-Quaideen will also remain functional throughout the duration of the sporting event. “Coming to the stadium on foot will not be allowed,” the DIG Traffic said.’

DIG West Zulfiqar Ali Larik said the South Zone police will be deployed for security of the hotel where players are residing. Brigadier Shahid said that only Pakistan Cricket Board’s vendors would set up food stalls at the venue. The gates will close at 5:00 pm with the match commencing after the opening ceremony scheduled at 6:00 pm. The Deputy Commissioner Karachi directed spectators arriving in cars to carry their tickets with them, as they would be prohibited from parking their vehicles without their tickets.

PCB official Arshah Khan said the board’s staff would be on hand to guide visitors to their seats. Four VIP enclosures will be set up at the venue. Addressing the press conference, Sindh Information Minister Nasir Hussain Shah said the PSL finale was a major sporting event for Karachi and all departments were working in sync to guarantee it transpires smoothly. Shah said a shuttle service would be provided to take the visitors to and from the stadium.

Published in Daily Times, March 20^th 2018.