Sindh government and Karachi administration have adopted measures to ensure foolproof security for matches of Pakistan Super League (PSL) to be played in this city next month. Karachi Commissioner Iftikhar Shilwani said this at a joint press conference with Metropolitan Commissioner Dr Syed Saif-ur-Rehman, President Arts Council of Pakistan (ACP) Ahmad Shah, Deputy Commissioners (DCs) of Districts East and West at ACP, here on Tuesday.
"Karachiites are very excited on the festive PSL matches. The PSL matches are an honour for Karachi," he said, vowing to make event successful.
The commissioner said that a committee headed by Sindh Minister for Local Government Saeed Ghani has been formed to oversee preparations. He said that a foolproof security plan is being chalked out as the Home department and security agencies, including police, rangers, etc, are in close coordination with each other to maintain law and order during the mega cricket event in the city. Sindh government has disbursed funds in this regard, he said.
As the National Stadium has limited capacity for crowed to adjust, large screens will be placed at different city neighbourhoods where the cricket lovers, particularly families would enjoy live cricket matches.
The district administration in collaboration with traffic police will chalk out a plan for smooth traffic movement. "Road blockage creates hardships for motorists, particularly in peak hours; however, the authorities will try their level best to keep maximum roads open.
He said that Karachi has been declared as a Sports City. He said they expect that people would help and cooperate to bring cricket back into Pakistan. He said Pakistan would welcome cricket players wholeheartedly.
The Municipal Commissioner said civic agencies were making all out efforts for beautification of the city thoroughfares, roundabouts, streets and routes leading to the National Stadium. Maintenance of footpaths, pavement of sewerage lines and removal of garbage from parts of the city are also under way. He said the government would plant some 4000 trees as part of PSL related beautification of the metropolis. The initiative will be sustainable and will have positive environmental impacts.
President ACP Ahmad Shah said holding of five PSL matches in Karachi was a testament of trust that provincial government and district administration had won. He said it would also send message to the world that Karachi is no more a dangerous city. Ahmed Shah said Karachi had been facing with violence and extremism in past but now the lights of Karachi were restoring.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2019

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