The Punjab Home Department has requested the Ministry of Interior to deploy the army and Rangers to assist with security arrangements during the matches of the 10th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) scheduled to be held in Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Multan, Geo News reported on Monday.
Considering the involvement of international players and officials, the event is deemed high-profile, necessitating enhanced security measures, according to the home department. They added that stringent security will be in place, covering not only the matches themselves but also the teams’ movements and accommodations.
As per the home department’s request, a wing of Rangers personnel and two companies of the army are sought to be stationed in each of the aforementioned cities. Their presence is intended to support the police in maintaining safety and security, particularly during team travel and their stay in hotels.
The deployment of the army and civil armed forces has been requested for security and protection duties under Article 245 of the Constitution and the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997, respectively. The Cabinet Division, provincial governments, and the chief commissioner of Islamabad had previously submitted requests regarding this deployment.
The country’s premier cricket league is set to commence in Lahore on April 11, with the grand final scheduled for May 18.
A total of 34 matches will be contested among six teams. Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium will host 13 matches, including the two Eliminators and the final.
Meanwhile, the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium will host 11 matches, including the first Qualifier on May 13. Karachi’s National Bank Stadium and Multan Cricket Stadium will each host five matches. The tournament schedule also includes three double-headers, with two slated for Saturdays and one on Labour Day (May 1).
