PAK vs SL | Security in Lahore reinforced for T20I series
The Gaddafi Stadium has been fortified by Army personnel and police to secure it for players and cricket lovers for the upcoming three-match T20 series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The matches will be held on October 5, 6 and 7 where the Army will be supervising the security arrangements.
Heavy deployments of the personnel of Rangers and the Police commandos have the stadium cordoned off from Friday, as reported by the Dawn.
The report also claimed that general traffic has been blocked on more than 25 major and small roads. Containers and barriers are being used for this purpose. Meanwhile, the roads will also be guarded by more than 13,000 policemen. Buildings in the vicinity of the stadium which are declared sensitive have been mounted by snipers to ensure the utmost safety of both the stadium and the neighbourhood.
The owners of the buildings and residents of the vicinity have been advised not to allow any stranger into their homes. The police have gone up to the extent of the signing of surety bonds by residents claiming the same to ensure peace and security of the area. The report further added that the roads which have been blocked are Jail Road, Main Boulevard, MM Alam Road and a portion of Canal and Ferozepur Road.
Lahore looks all ready to host its first bilateral cricket series in the last 5 years but at this point in time, the place looks less of a city and more of a battleground. The city is on high alert and the police officials have been ordered to be fully alert. Search operations are being conducted in specific parts of the city and intensified patrolling has been launched on Friday night.