In view of the cricket series scheduled between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi, the Metro Bus Service in the twin cities will remain partially suspended during the movement of the teams.
The district administration, while making strict security arrangements, has issued orders to keep specific stations completely closed during the matches.
According to media reports, important decisions have been taken regarding transportation to ensure security during the three T20 matches to be played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from October 9 to 13.
The Metro Bus Service from Saddar Station to Pak Secretariat will be completely suspended when the cricket teams are travelling from their hotel to the stadium or from the stadium to the hotel.
According to Metro Bus sources, on the instructions of the district administration, the Khatm-e-Nabuwwat, IJP Road and 66th Road stations will remain completely closed to passengers during the matches.
Although the overall period of the security restrictions extends from October 4 to November 13, the bus service will not remain continuously suspended throughout this period. Rather, it will be stopped as required.
Arrival of the Visiting Team and Upcoming Schedule
The first group of the Sri Lankan cricket team for this important series has already arrived in Islamabad. The initial 13-member group includes 8 players and 5 management officials.
Among the players who arrived in Islamabad are Kusal Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Maheesh Theekshana and Eshan Malinga. The remaining players and officials will also arrive in Pakistan in different groups before the opening match.
Immediately after this T20 series, the Rawalpindi Stadium will also host a major tri-nation ODI series starting from October 18, in which Pakistan, Sri Lanka and England will face each other. In addition, the first Test match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka will also be played at the same venue from November 9 to 13.
International Cricket and the City’s Traffic System
The return of international cricket to Rawalpindi has always been major good news for fans. The Pindi Cricket Stadium is considered one of the busiest and most important cricket grounds in the country.
However, the stadium’s location right next to the city’s main artery, Murree Road, becomes a serious challenge for the flow of traffic during every major series.
Due to security protocols, the closure of Murree Road severely affects the routine life of the twin cities.
Security Measures and Public Problems
The hosting of international cricket is essential for the country’s peaceful image, but at the administrative level, public convenience is often overlooked in the planning of these events.
Surprisingly, no advance information has been provided regarding the exact timings of the bus closures or any alternative transportation plan for citizens.
Students and employees travelling between the twin cities in millions every day depend on the same Metro Service.
Security concerns are valid in their own place, but the administrative structure of a modern city should establish an effective balance between VIP movement and public convenience.
Suspending the main public transport system without any alternative route or clear timing schedule will cause severe mental and physical distress for citizens, which is tantamount to diminishing the public enjoyment of an international event.