KARACHI: Senior Sindh government officials in a meeting on Thursday said security arrangements for the Pakistan Super League’s inaugural matches are fully in place while the beautification of the city and the National Stadium is under process.

Sindh Chief Secretary Mumtaz Ali Shah presided over the meeting at his office that was convened to discuss and finalise the arrangements for the matches of PSL-5 scheduled to begin in Karachi on Feb 20.

Commissioner Karachi Iftikhar Shallwani informed the meeting that he was in constant touch with the police, paramilitary Rangers and Pakistan Army as all security arrangements had been finalised while the city and the national stadium were being beautified.

The meeting discussed security and traffic plans, beautification of the city and other arrangements.

“It is a matter of great honour that the inaugural match of the PSL-5 is being played in Karachi,” Mumtaz Shah said, adding, the provincial government had always extended full cooperation to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as it had made excellent arrangements in the previous PSL tournament that the PCB had praised.

“This time again we will decorate the city in a befitting manner,” the chief Secretary said, asking officers of the city administration, Karachi Metropolitan Corporation, district municipalities, cantonment boards and other concerned agencies to initiate beautification arrangements under the supervision of the city commissioner.

“Presence of officers and staff of K-Electric, Karachi Water and Sewerage Board and Sindh Solid Waste Management Authority should also be ensured in the scheme,” he said.

The PCB officials said the success of PSL without the help of Sindh government would have not been possible. “This time the number of foreign players and officials is much greater than before as officials of the International Cricket Council, Bangladesh and South Africa cricket boards are coming here as well,” said a senior PCB official.

The PCB officials said players had already started arriving, adding, in the view of the event of such huge importance, a large number of cricket lovers are expected to turn out and fill in the stadium.

Additional Inspector General of Police Karachi Ghulam Nabi Memon informed the meeting that in addition to traffic and parking plans, the security plan of international standard had been devised for the PSL-5.

Sindh home secretary, PCB officials, concerned deputy commissioners, representatives of the Sindh Rangers, officials of civic bodies and other officials attended the meeting.

Published in Dawn, February 14th, 2020