Punjab ups its security measures for Asia Cup

LAHORE: The Punjab Safe Cities Authority has taken the lead in arranging security operations for the event.

One of the primary security measures involves the implementation of a 24-hour surveillance plan. This includes constant monitoring of the hotels accommodating the teams and their surroundings. The Lahore Airport routes, which connect to the hotels, are also under constant watch through the vigilant eye of the Safe Cities cameras.

More than 600 advanced cameras have been strategically positioned throughout Lahore for comprehensive coverage of the matches and related activities. The Safe Cities Authority has asserted that this extensive surveillance network is instrumental in safeguarding the Asia Cup matches.

The Operations and Monitoring Center serves as the nerve center of security operations. Here, a dedicated team continuously monitors the movements of the teams, ensuring their safe transition from the hotel to the renowned Gaddafi Stadium, the venue for the matches. The Gaddafi Stadium, known for its rich cricket history, will host the matches on September 3, September 5, and September 6.

The first match of the Asia Cup in Lahore is slated to be held on September 3, followed by subsequent matches on September 5 and September 6. As the cricketing excitement builds up, the security measures undertaken by the authorities stand as a testament to their dedication to hosting a successful and safe sporting event.

Lahore City Traffic Police (CTP) has also issued a traffic plan for the upcoming matches. About 10 deputy superintendents of police (DSPs), 110 traffic inspectors and more than 2,000 traffic personnel would execute their duties — under the supervision of Superintendent of Police (SP) Sadar Malik Ikramullah, SP City Shahzad Khan and SP Headquarters Sohail Fazil — at hotels, airport, Gaddafi Stadium and parking points. In addition, the CTO added that about 20 fork lifters would also be deployed to eliminate wrong parking.

Captain (retd) Feroze Lahore further added that cricket fans would be able to park their vehicles at Government College Gulberg, Liberty Parking and LDA Plaza.

The CTO further said that according to the traffic plan, cricket fans coming from Mall Road, Jail Road and Canal Road would enter the college’s main gate from Ferozepur Road whereas traffic information would also be disseminated to citizens through Rasta App, Rasta FM 88.6 and social media.

The tournament would commence from August 30 with the first match being played at Multan Cricket Stadium.