LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, on Saturday, held a three-hour long conference at Civil Secretariat, Lahore, from London and reviewed the security measures taken for the World XI tour to Lahore.
Addressing the video conference, the chief minister welcomed the arrival of international players. He said that holding of matches between World XI and Pakistan XI in Lahore is a mega event making this event successful is a top priority of the government.
He ordered to ensure that matches are being played in a peaceful environment. It is a matter of respect of Pakistan and we won’t let the nation down, he vowed.
Shehbaz Sharif directed the concerned departments and institutions to perform their duty while remaining in close contact with relevant officials. He further said that the Cabinet Committee on Law and Order should review security and other arrangements on regular basis.
He also directed the traffic police officials to inform people about traffic plans and alternative routes. During the matches, a multi-purpose strategy should be devised for teams’ arrival and departure of the players, he added.
He also ordered to make best arrangements for dining of the police force and other on duty staff during the team protocol at the stadium and other places. If any kind of complaint received in this regard, he will take a strict action against the concerned officials, he warned.
The chief minister also ordered for a provision of uninterrupted electricity at entry and exit points during the match and to install electric lamps along the route.
He said that free shuttle service will be operational to bring cricket fans from parking to the stadium and back. He also directed to ensure best arrangements of cleanliness in and outside the stadium.
He said special attention should be paid to the hygiene of washrooms inside the stadium; besides, a third party audit of all the arrangements should be conducted and the report to be sent to him.
Provincial ministers Ayub Gadhi, Jahangir Khanzada, Advisor Rana Maqbool Ahmed, chief secretary, additional chief secretary, additional chief secretary home, inspector general police and concerned officials attended the meeting from Civil Secretariat, while chief minister’s secretary and concerned officers participated in the meeting from the Chief Minister Office through video link.
