LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday held a three-hour conference at the Civil Secretariat Lahore from London and reviewed in detail security and other related arrangements for Independence Cup 2017 and World XI tour to Lahore.
Addressing the participants of the video-conference, the chief minister welcomed the arrival of international players of World XI in Pakistan from the core of his heart. He said that holding of matches between World XI and Pakistan XI in Lahore was a mega event and all had to work hard round the clock to make this event successful, as security was top priority and all had to make it foolproof.
He said that all-out security and other arrangements should be made during the tour of World XI to Lahore, and added that these should be more glowing than PSL final so that cricket fans could watch a good game. He ordered to ensure holding of matches in a peaceful and quiet environment. “It is a matter of respect of Pakistan.”
Shehbaz Sharif said that departments and institutions concerned should perform their duty while remaining in close contact with each other, and added that the Cabinet Committee on Law and Order should review security and other arrangements regularly.
He also directed to inform people about the traffic plan and alternative routes. “During the matches, multi-purpose strategy should be devised for arrival at stadium and departure of the players, and ensure its implementation,” he added. He also ordered to make best arrangements for dining of police force and other staff performing duty at matches and other places. He said that if any kind of complaint was received in this regard, he would take stern action against the officials concerned.
The chief minister also ordered for provision of uninterrupted electricity at the entry and exit points during matches and to light the route with electricity lamps. He said that free shuttle service would 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 further ordered to specially arrange mineral water, tea and biscuits for drivers at car parking area. Special attention should be paid to hygiene of washrooms inside the stadium, besides third-party audit of all the arrangements should be conducted and report be sent to him, he added. Shehbaz Sharif said that all departments concerned had to work like a team to ensure peaceful conduct of the matches.
Provincial ministers Ayub Gadhi and Jahangir Khanzada, Adviser Rana Maqbool Ahmed, chief secretary, additional chief secretary, additional chief secretary (home), inspector general of police and officials concerned attended the meeting from the Civil Secretariat while secretary to the chief minister and officers concerned participated in the meeting from the Chief Minister’s Office through video link.
