Army, Rangers to be deployed in Lahore for tri-nation series

ISLAMABAD: The federal interior ministry has approved the deployment of the army and rangers from February 5 to 10 for the tri-nation cricket series in Lahore.

The troops will be deployed for security duties of New Zealand and South Africa cricket teams.

The Punjab Home Department spokesperson said the security arrangements have been finalised for the tournament, featuring Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa.

The spokesperson added that the Home Department had formally requested the federal government to deploy security forces in response to a police request.

The provincial government has planned the deployment of one company each of the army and rangers.

The tri-nation matches will be played at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on February 8 and 10 and at Karachi’s National Bank Stadium on February 12 and 14.

In addition to that, the interior ministry has formed a special committee to conduct a security audit of the Gaddafi Stadium Lahore, ahead of the tri-nation series and Champions Trophy 2025.

As per details, the committee, headed by the SSP Special Branch, will review the security arrangements at the stadium, including checking points, parking areas, public seating areas, and surveillance systems.

The decision to form the committee was taken during a meeting of the Provincial Intelligence Committee, and the committee is expected to submit its report to the Ministry of Interior by February 5.