From Abid Usman
LAHORE: The Punjab Cabinet’s Sub-Committee on Law and Order approved arrangements and security plan for three ODIs and one T20 match between Pakistan and Australia in Lahore.
The meeting held at the Civil Secretariat on Monday was presided over by Punjab Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs Muhammad Basharat Raja via video link from Rawalpindi. Minister for Labour Ansar Majeed, Chief Secretary, Inspector General of Punjab Police, Additional Chief Secretary Home, CCPO Lahore, Commissioner and other senior officers were present on the occasion.
The meeting considered the administrative matters and security of the Pakistan-Australia ODI series starting today (March 29) in Lahore. The meeting was informed that one match is mandatory while two matches are likely to take place during Ramadan.
The law minister directed that iftar hours should be kept in view for the security of upcoming matches during Ramadan. “The spectators will start arriving immediately after the start of the fast, so this aspect should be taken into consideration in the security arrangements”, directed the chair. He said that security arrangements for the Australian team are more strict than those for PSL event.
Appreciating the Lahore administration and police for arranging sports and other recent events, Mohammad Basharat Raja directed that the route of the Australian team and surroundings of the Qazafi Stadium should be closely monitored round the clock. “District administration and the police should liaise with each other regarding parking and traffic plan for the spectators coming to the stadium”, he directed.
Cabinet Committee approved the construction of six new police stations in six districts of Punjab. Due to population growth and other issues, a new police station will be set up in DG Khan, Bhakkar, Rajanpur, Kasur, Faisalabad and Okara each.
