LAHORE: Law enforcers have thrown a massive security cover around the Gaddafi Stadium for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) playoffs scheduled for March 20 and 22. More than 20,000 security personnel have been deployed in and around the Gaddafi Stadium. Floodlights have also been installed on the route leading from hotel to the Gaddafi Stadium. Lights have also been installed on surrounding roads to cater to parking needs of cricket lovers. Lahore Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Amin Wains said that a massive police force was being mobilised for the mega cricket event. “We are utilising all available resources and capacity to ensure foolproof security for the PSL matches.” DIG (Operations) Dr Haider Ashraf that adjoining roads had been closed for traffic due to security reasons and diversion plans had been displayed on important roads of the city to facilitate commuters. He said that a four to five-tier security arrangement has been ensured and visitors would be allowed to enter the stadium after proper checking. He said that a new range of scanners, high definition facial-recognition CCTV system, had been put in for the purpose. “No public vehicle will be allowed within a kilometre radius of the sports complex.” A makeshift hospital facility has also been built within the Hockey Stadium adjacent to the cricket stadium in case of emergency. “The entire city will function normally, and there will be less inconvenience, but for the sake of the people’s safety we have to have a tight security programme in place,” said the CCPO. Moreover, a team headed by Lahore Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Rai Ijaz will remain on duty during PSL playoffs. Seven superintendents of police, 22 DSPs, 97 patrolling officers, 2,000 traffic wardens and 56 lady traffic wardens are part of the team. The CCPO said a comprehensive traffic plan had been completed to facilitate cricket lovers and other road users. He added the morale of his force was very high. “We will follow the guidelines and footprints of martyred DIG Syed Ahmed Mobin, who sacrificed his life for the motherland and its people. We will continue to serve the community with commitment and dedication and terrorists can’t deter our resolve.” Published in Daily Times, March 20th 2018.