Over 7,000 police personnel deployed for multi-layered security at PSL 11 final

• Drone surveillance, snipers and elite units enforce multi-layered security cover

• Dolphin Squad, PRU and Elite Force patrol team routes and stadium surroundings

• Lahore Traffic Police roll out elaborate traffic and parking plan for cricket fans

 LAHORE: More than 7,000 police officers and personnel, backed by intensive patrolling and drone surveillance, provided comprehensive security to local and foreign players, officials and cricket fans during the final of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 on Sunday.

The PSL 11 final was played between Hyderabad Kingsmen and Peshawar Zalmi at Gaddafi Stadium.

According to a Punjab Police spokesperson, extensive security arrangements were put in place across Lahore, with more than 7,000 police officers and personnel deployed to perform security duties during the high-profile match.

پی ایس ایل 11 کا فائنل:
قذافی سٹیڈیم لاہور میں حیدرآباد کنگزمین اور پشاور زلمی کے درمیان ہونے والے پاکستان سپر لیگ الیون کے فائنل معرکے کے لیے پنجاب پولیس نے سکیورٹی کے فول پروف انتظامات مکمل کر لیے ہیں۔ آئی جی پنجاب عبدالکریم کی ہدایت پر 7 ہزار سے زائد پولیس افسران اور اہلکار… pic.twitter.com/9QMtH1ePAD

— Punjab Police Official (@OfficialDPRPP) May 3, 2026

Punjab Inspector General of Police Abdul Kareem directed supervisory officers to personally review all arrangements, including security and traffic management, while deployed personnel remained on high alert and maintained strict vigilance over suspicious activities.

The IG Police said complete coordination was maintained with the district administration, security agencies and other relevant departments to ensure the peaceful conduct of the PSL final.

On the IG’s directives, teams of Dolphin Squad, Police Response Unit (PRU) and Elite Force carried out effective patrolling along the teams’ routes and around Gaddafi Stadium, the spokesperson said.

Abdul Kareem said search, sweep and combing operations, along with intelligence-based operations, continued around the teams’ residences, travel routes and the stadium.

The teams’ routes, stadium, residences and other key locations remained under constant surveillance through CCTV cameras, while police snipers were deployed on high-rise buildings surrounding the stadium to strengthen security.

The IG Punjab said traffic advisories had also been issued to guide citizens and ensure smooth vehicular movement, adding that cricket fans cooperated fully with police instructions while enjoying the match.

Elaborate traffic plan for PSL final

Meanwhile, Lahore Traffic Police devised a comprehensive traffic management plan to ensure smooth flow of vehicles across the city during the PSL final, alongside a detailed parking plan for cricket fans.

Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Lahore Syed Abdul Rahim Shirazi said eight DSPs, 90 traffic inspectors and more than 500 wardens were deployed under the supervision of divisional SPs.

He said 11 forklifts were also stationed at key points to prevent illegal parking.

According to officials, designated parking stands were established at multiple locations, including Government College Gulberg, CBD Parking, Sunfort Hotel and Liberty Parking to facilitate spectators, while separate routes were allocated for fans arriving from different parts of the city.

Visitors arriving via Ferozepur Road were directed to Government College Gulberg through Kalma Chowk, while those coming from Defence and Cantt were guided to Liberty Parking via Hussain Chowk.

Fans travelling from Mughalpura and Garhi Shahu were directed to access Liberty Parking through Main Boulevard Gulberg.

The CTO said no road would be permanently closed, adding that major arteries, including Mall Road, Jail Road and Canal Road, would remain open.

Traffic on Ferozepur Road and Main Boulevard Gulberg also continued as usual.

He urged citizens to avoid illegal parking and use designated parking stands, adding that traffic updates would be available through the Rasta App and Rasta FM 88.6.

Security tightened for Christian worship programmes

In a related development, Punjab Police also remained on high alert during Christian worship prayer programmes held at churches across the province, including Lahore.

Earlier, IG Punjab Abdul Kareem had directed Regional Police Officers (RPOs) and District Police Officers (DPOs) to enhance security arrangements at churches and other important locations.

He instructed supervisory officers to personally inspect security measures, while additional police personnel and snipers were deployed at sensitive churches.

Teams of Dolphin Squad, PRU and Elite Force were also tasked with ensuring effective patrolling around churches and surrounding areas.

The IGp directed deployed officers and personnel to remain highly alert and maintain strict surveillance against any miscreants, while search and sweep operations continued in Christian localities and other sensitive places.