KARACHI:The
city’s traffic police have issued a traffic diversion plan ahead of the Pakistan Super League matches, with the tournament set to begin today.
According to a notification issued by the traffic police, four areas have been demarcated for the spectators to park their vehicles and a shuttle service has been arranged to transport them from the allotted parking spaces to National Stadium Karachi. Moreover, the notification states that the spectators are to produce their Computerised National Identity Cards and tickets to gain entry into the stadium.
Parking spacesOf the four parking areas for spectators, one has been developed in an open ground near the Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology (FUUAST), another at the Expo Centre, a third one in the Gharib Nawaz Football Ground and another at Rana Liaquat Ali Khan Girls College, situated opposite Aga Khan University Hospital.
Spectators arriving from Central and West Districts are to park their vehicles in the ground near FUUAST and those approaching the venue from South and Korangi Districts are to park their vehicles at Expo Centre, in the ground situated near the centre’s Gate 1. Spectators from South and Korangi Districts will be able to approach the designated parking spot after passing by the Baitul Mukarram Masjid and then taking a U-turn.
Meanwhile, Gharib Nawaz Football Ground has been designated for spectators arriving from East and Malir Districts and those coming from Tower, Saddar, Clifton and Defence Housing Authority are to park their vehicles at Rana Liaquat Ali Khan Girls College.
Blocked roadsAs per the traffic diversion plan, Stadium Road, Habib Ibrahim Rehmatullah Road, Hassan Square Flyover and the artery connecting Stadium Road to the University Road will remain closed for traffic. However, vehicular traffic will be permitted on University Road, Shaheed-e-Millat Road and Rashid Minhas Road.
Arrangements have also been made to ensure that heavy vehicles are not permitted on arteries leading to Sohrab Goth from Nipa, Hassan Square from Liaquatabad no. 10, University Road from PP Chowrangi, Stadium Road from Karsaz and New Town from Millennium Mall.
According to a traffic police spokesperson, only the residents of areas located nearby the blocked roads will be allowed to take the closed routes to approach their homes, after showing their CNICs. Those residing in the vicinity will be able to approach their residences after crossing the New Town Police Station, where traffic police officials have been deployed to guide them further.
Security arrangementsIn order to prevent any security hazards, 696 Special Security Unit (SSU) commandos, two SSPs, eight DSPs, sharp shooters and other law enforcement agencies’ officials have been deployed at sensitive points across the city.
According to a statement issued by the Police Security and Emergency Service Division, the country’s first Special Weapons and Tactics team, comprising highly trained commandos, will be deployed at SSU headquarters, ready to deal with any untoward situation. In addition, 40 SSU police mobiles, with 30 cameras installed on them, will be patrolling the areas near the National Stadium. Besides, SSU officials have been assigned to guide spectators at the parking grounds and National Stadium.
The traffic police have appealed to citizens to cooperate with officials and follow their instructions to avoid any inconvenience. Citizens may also call on traffic police helpline, 1915, or their Whatsapp number, 0305-9266907, for further guidance.
*WITH ADDITIONAL REPORTING FROM APP
Published in The Express Tribune, February 20th, 2020.
