The first day of the five-day practice session ahead of the Pakistan-Australia Cricket Series 2026 began under strict and coordinated security arrangements at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, officials confirmed on Saturday.
According to Chief Traffic Officer Syed Khalid Mahmood Hamdani, more than 3,500 personnel of Rawalpindi Police have been deployed to ensure security duties during the practice sessions.
He further stated that over 300 officers have been assigned specifically for traffic management duties to maintain smooth vehicular flow around the stadium and surrounding routes.
He said senior police officers were actively present on the ground, inspecting arrangements and briefing deployed personnel to maintain high alert and operational readiness.
As part of enhanced security measures, snipers have been positioned on rooftops overlooking the venue, while surveillance is being continuously carried out through Safe City systems and CCTV cameras from a dedicated control room established for the event.
Additional police personnel have also been deployed at key public locations across the city. Special monitoring is being conducted at bus stands, hotels, and other sensitive areas to ensure comprehensive coverage and public safety.
Mobile units of police stations, along with elite and Dolphin squads, are patrolling the areas surrounding the stadium to deter any untoward incidents and maintain order.
CPO Syed Khalid Mahmood Hamdani emphasised that foolproof security arrangements have been implemented not only for the practice sessions but for the entire cricket series, assuring that all necessary steps have been taken to facilitate both players and citizens.
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