RAWALPINDI – Strict security measures have been put in place for the One-Day International (ODI) cricket series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
The second day-night ODI between the two teams will take place at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, starting at 2pm.
Rawalpindi CPO Khalid Hamdani stated that the police have taken extra steps to ensure foolproof security. He said hotels along the stadium route from Faizabad to Double Road Turn will remain closed, and technical sweeps of hostels have been conducted with resident verification.
Street vendors, including food and beverage stalls, have been banned until the conclusion of the match. Hotel and building owners, as well as residents in the area, have been required to provide compliance bonds for following the restrictions.
Additional plainclothes personnel from the Special Branch have been deployed at key points, including buildings and transport hubs. Over 5,500 police officers and personnel have been assigned to security duties, while 350 officers and wardens are managing traffic arrangements.
The visiting Sri Lankan team has been given “State Guest” status and will remain under strict security by Pakistan Rangers and police commandos. Senior officers have been instructed to brief and monitor the deployed security forces.
Snipers have been positioned on rooftops of tall buildings around the stadium and route, and CCTV cameras are being monitored from a dedicated control room. Elite and Dolphin squad personnel are patrolling the stadium vicinity.
For the public convenience, the traffic arrangements have been implemented.
During the teams’ movement, the Metro Bus service in the twin cities would be temporarily suspended for one hour. Three metro stations including Rehmanabad, Shamsabad and Faizabad would remain closed for the duration of the match, though buses would continue running without stopping at these stations.
The security personnel have been assigned on the Metro Bus route from Chandni Chowk to IJP Station and back to ensure safety.
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