Punjab police deploys 1200 personnel for Champions Trophy matches

LAHORE: Punjab Police has completed the security arrangements for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy matches, ensuring that the matches are held in a peaceful and secure environment.

According to a Punjab Police spokesperson, over 12,000 police officers and personnel will be on duty for security during the matches in Lahore and Rawalpindi.

A total of 18 senior officers, 54 DSPs, 135 inspectors, and 1,200 upper subordinates will be deployed, while 10,556 constables and over 200 female police officers will be responsible for security and checking.

Furthermore, a spokesperson noted that 8,000 officers and personnel will be on duty, including 12 senior officers, 39 DSPs, 86 inspectors, and 700 upper subordinates, during the matches in Lahore.

Similarly, in Rawalpindi, over 5,000 officers and personnel including 6 senior officers, 15 DSPs, 50 inspectors, and 500 upper subordinates will be assigned security duties.

“Additionally, 4,000 constables and over 100 female personnel will carry out security and checking duties in Rawalpindi,” he added.

Additionally, police snipers will be positioned on tall buildings around the stadiums.

It is pertinent to mention that three matches will be held in Lahore on February 22, 26, and March 5, while three matches will take place in Rawalpindi on February 24, 25, and 27.

In a statement shared on February 13, IG Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar said that the police force is committed to providing full security to both national and international players, officials, and cricket fans.

Ahead of the much-awaited tournament, the Punjab police have completed search operations, sweeps, combing operations, and intelligence-based operations around players’ accommodations, routes, and stadiums.

As per details, the Safe Cities Authority will monitor stadiums, hotels, and team routes using 600 surveillance cameras.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Syed Musa Raza said control rooms will be set up at the Qaddafi Stadium, the Hockey Stadium, and the DC office to monitor the situation.

Additional traffic wardens will be deployed to ensure uninterrupted traffic flow and facilitate proper parking arrangements, a police spokesperson said.

The tournament will kick off on February 19 (Wednesday) with the opening match in Karachi between Pakistan and New Zealand, which will be played after a small ceremony at the National Bank Cricket Stadium.

However, the most anticipated clash, as always, will be the high-stakes showdown between arch-rivals Pakistan and India, set to take place on February 23 in Dubai.

Lahore’s newly renovated venue will host one of the semifinals whereas the other will be held in Dubai.

The tournament’s final is also scheduled to take place at Gaddafi Stadium unless India reaches it, in which case it will be held in Dubai.

All the Champions Trophy matches will be telecast live on Geo Super. Here is the complete schedule of the tournament.