Snipers, Special Forces Deployed as Pindi Gears Up for Cricket

News Desk 

Rawalpindi: Rawalpindi district police and City Traffic Police have finalized comprehensive security and traffic arrangements for the Pakistan and Bangladesh cricket test match and practice sessions at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

City Police Officer (CPO) Syed Khalaid Hamdani stated that the cricket teams’ route would be monitored via CCTV cameras, with snipers positioned on rooftops along the route and around the stadium.

Elite and Dolphin Force personnel, along with Rawalpindi district police, will be deployed in and around the cricket stadium. Special teams will also patrol the surrounding areas.

To ensure foolproof security for the Pakistan-Bangladesh cricket match, a coordinated traffic plan has been prepared for the convenience of citizens.

Tight security arrangements have been finalized for the three-day practice sessions at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, with over 1,700 officers and personnel from Rawalpindi Police assigned to security duties.

Additionally, more than 350 traffic wardens and officers will be on duty to maintain traffic flow.

The Rawalpindi Traffic Police have issued a detailed traffic plan for the practice sessions and the first cricket test, effective from August 18 to 25, to facilitate smooth traffic within Rawalpindi and between the twin cities.

The traffic plan, approved by Chief Traffic Officer Beenish Fatima, involves 367 officers and wardens, including 8 DSPs, circle in-charges, 40 inspectors, sector in-charges, and 318 traffic wardens.

According to the plan, special car parking facilities will be available at five locations, with a shuttle service to transport spectators to the Pindi Stadium.

During the arrival and departure of the teams for the match and practice sessions, Murree Road from Stadium Road to Faizabad will be closed to traffic.

Vehicles will be directed to use 6th Road and Saidpur Road to reach Islamabad, while traffic from 9th Avenue will follow the route through Faizabad, IJ Principal Road, Pandora Chungi, Katarian Chungi, Carriage Factory, and Pirwadhai to enter Rawalpindi.

Additionally, Stadium Road will remain closed to all traffic from August 18 to 25.