Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has urged citizens to show patience over traffic disruptions caused by security arrangements during international cricket matches, saying such measures are essential for both player safety and the revival of global cricket in Pakistan.
Tarar said that during the movement of international cricket teams, “security cordons are put in place for protection.”
He stressed that these arrangements are “set up to ensure the continuity of the revival of international cricket in the country.”
Acknowledging public complaints, he noted that “many citizens complain about traffic jams,” but appealed to them to “take the minor delay positively, as it is necessary for security clearance.”
He added that sometimes people may have to wait 15 to 20 minutes, and “this should be viewed in a positive context.”
The minister said he himself was present on the route as teams passed, to monitor the situation on the ground.
He reminded the public that “cricket has returned to Pakistan after great effort and struggle,” and that “everyone’s cooperation is necessary to take cricket forward.”
Drawing a comparison, Tarar pointed out that in Sri Lanka, strict security arrangements had also been routine because of the LTTE, and such measures were widely accepted as necessary.
He criticised the “tendency to criticise immediately” in local discourse and urged people to look at the bigger picture of Pakistan hosting international teams safely.
Tarar assured citizens that “conditions are continuously improving” and expressed hope that “in future, such inconveniences will be reduced to a minimum.”
