Over 1500 cops to safeguard West Indies team during Pakistan tour
West Indies are due to tour Pakistan for a limited-overs series starting from December 13. The series marks visiting teams touring the country after the cancellation of New Zealand and England boards due to security threats. West Indies, who stood by Pakistan following the team’s withdrawal however agreed to tour Pakistan.
Now, reports are emerging that more than 1500 personnel of the Karachi Police Security Division will be seen performing security duties to the West Indies team. This includes 800 Special Security Unit (SSU) Commandos and female Commandos with personnel from other law enforcement agencies.
The security officials will be seen doing duties at Karachi stadium, Airport, hotels, and other different areas where players will be frequently there. Sharpshooters will also be deployed in some sensitive points, as Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) are not willing to take any risks. A news release confirmed the news according to The Express Tribune.
Apart from the tight security personnel, a specialized command and control bus will also be seen monitoring the situation in around the stadium. Shuttle services will also be provided by spectators from parking to the Karachi Stadium.
Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), which comprise highly trained and well-equipped commandos will constantly be alert and on their toes at SSU headquarters. Pakistan have made a well-devised plan and strategy. The plan was devised and finalized in the meeting chaired by DIGP Security and Emergency Services Division Maqsood Ahmed.
Security has always been a primary concern for visiting teams touring Pakistan ever since the attack on the Sri Lankan team in 2009. Although some countries like Zimbabwe, and South Africa have toured Pakistan in the recent past, the PCB are expecting other countries to play often. Apart from West Indies, even Australia are scheduled to tour Pakistan.