The Sindh police’s Security Division has deployed 6,700 police officials, including 1,000 Special Security Unit (SSU) commandos, for providing security during the ICC Champions Trophy matches being played in Karachi.
Security & Emergency Services Division chief Dr Maqsood Ahmed chaired a meeting at the SSU headquarters to finalise the security measures. The meeting focused on ensuring comprehensive planning and coordination among various security agencies for the matches to be played at the National Bank Stadium on February 19, February 21 and March 1.
Over 6,700 law enforcement officials have been deployed for security, including 1,745 Security Division officials (which include 1,045 SSU commandos and lady commandos), 1,390 traffic police official, 328 Special Branch officials, and officials from the district police and other law enforcement agencies.
These officials will be stationed at critical locations, including the stadium, the Karachi airport, designated routes, parking areas and hotels. Snipers will be strategically positioned at sensitive locations to provide an added layer of security.
A highly trained SWAT team equipped with advanced weaponry will remain on standby at the SSU headquarters to respond to any emergencies. The team will also conduct patrols around the stadium. The SSU’s Special Command & Control Bus will be deployed in the vicinity of the stadium to monitor and ensure law and order.
Roads around the stadium will remain open for traffic. Commuters of Sir Shah Suleman Road should avoid the route during match timings. Parking facilities for the public will be available at the China Ground and the National Coaching Centre near the stadium. The Expo Centre has also been allocated as a parking point.
VIPs and vehicles with special passes will have access to parking inside the stadium. Spectators will only be permitted entry through the main gate, and gates No. 4, 5, 6, 12, 13 and 14. All other gates will remain closed. Only VIPs and vehicles with authorised passes will be allowed to enter through Gate No. 8.
All stadium gates will open three hours before the start of the match. All spectators will have to undergo security checks at the entry gates. They must present their original CNICs and physical match ticket/pass for entry. Only hard copies of match tickets will be accepted. Online tickets will not be valid. Those who have booked tickets online can collect their physical tickets from designated TCS centres.
Food items, drinks, glass and plastic bottles, intoxicants and other such items are not allowed inside the stadium. Firearms, toy guns, explosives, fireworks, cigarettes, matchboxes, lighters, women’s handbags, sharp objects and metallic/wooden items are strictly prohibited. CNG cylinder-fitted vehicles will not be permitted inside the stadium. The use of drone cameras inside the stadium is also strictly prohibited.