Unprecedented security arrangements for PSL final

KARACHI: Unprecedented security arrangements had been made for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) final held here at the National Stadium on Sunday.All routs leading towards the stadium had been completely sealed unlike the last few days because of the arrival of the VVIPs also including the Army chief. Large number of Rangers and police had been deployed everywhere in general and at key points in particular.Even the various routs of the residential areas leading towards different points had been blocked by putting heavy containers. The thick security arrangements had created a huge problem for the residents of the areas located around the venue. This correspondent saw a few women toiling hard under the scorching sun to reach their destinations in the afternoon while walking on foot on Karsaz Road leading towards Aga Khan Hospital and Hassan Square.“You know it has been painful for us to go a long way on foot as the entry point at Karsaz leading towards Hassan Square has been sealed,’ a woman , accompanied by a little son, told this correspondent.The women were seen taking some rest under the shade of trees due to fatigue while heading towards their destinations. There were even not a single shop opened from where hydrants could be purchased.A woman of the residential area of the KDA scheme near hospital specialised for the PIA air crew on Karsaz Road was seen questioning police deployed at that point that how they would go out for purchasing daily commodities from bazar if they had placed heavy containers in their way.“It’s a big issue. How people of our area will take their patients to the hospital; the woman questioned. The flyover near the stadium, which leads from Karsaz Road towards Hassan Square was occupied by a heavy contingent of security personnel. The major points at Dalmiya amd Hassan sauare had also been sealed.The teams were brought amid water-tight security at 6pm for the final which was scheduled to start at 8pm. As usual Army security helicopter was seen hovering around the venue at a time the teams were being brought into the venue.The spectators had started coming to the stadium around 3pm. And at 7pm, one hour before the start of the final between Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators the venue seemed jam-packed. The spectators had to work hard in hot condition as they covered several kilometres for reaching the venue. “Today the security was very thick and we had to pass through much tough time before reaching the venue,” a spectator Hassan Khan told The News.Some families were also seen bringing into the stadium by police mobiles The journalists also were seen being thoroughly checked at various entry points. Their CNICs were also scanned and a “clear” tag was attached to their accreditation cards.Besides security arrangements at key points around the venue Shahrah-e-Faisal and thee areas around the airport had been completely guarded by the Rangers . Even heavy contingent of Police and Rangers were also seen patrolling at Jang Press, Saddar and other areas of the provincial metropolis.

from The News International - Sports https://ift.tt/2OcPUun