Police enforce strict security protocols along Faizabad–Double Road corridor before key matches.
RAWALPINDI: Security crackdown ahead of ODIs
In response to the deteriorating security situation, Rawalpindi police have sealed hotels, inns, and hostels along the key route from Faizabad to Double Road turn, Iqbal Park, and areas around the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
The decision aims to ensure foolproof security for the ongoing Pakistan–Sri Lanka ODI series.
The security escalation comes days after the Islamabad court suicide blast, which killed 12 people and injured 36, prompting region-wide safety measures.
Before sealing the lodgings, police carried out detailed inspections, including sniffer-dog sweeps and surveillance checks. Authorities also obtained surety bonds from building owners, mandating that no guest would be allowed entry until the end of the cricket series.
ODI schedule revised
Due to the heightened alert, the second ODI, scheduled for Nov 13, will now be played on Nov 14, while the third ODI has been moved from Nov 15 to Nov 16.
Rawalpindi City Police Officer Syed Khalid Hamdani directed the Special Branch, divisional SPs, SDPOs, and SHOs of New Town and Sadiqabad to intensify security layers around all sensitive points.
Shops, vendors shut; bus terminals swept
Police have ordered the closure of fruit vendors, ice sellers, and roadside shops along major routes leading to the stadium.
Bomb disposal squads and Special Branch teams will conduct continuous sweeping of bus terminals and monitor suspicious activity around transit hubs.
Widespread search operations; 56 Afghan nationals arrested
Security forces conducted sweeping search operations across multiple Rawalpindi localities — including New Town, Pirwadhai, Bani, Waris Khan, Ganjmandi, Rawat, Saddar, Morgah, Civil Lines, and Gujar Khan.
During the operations:
- 1,350 homes
- 183 shops
- 33 hotels
- and over 1,300 individuals
were checked.
Police arrested 56 illegal Afghan residents, including one on the wanted list. Records from junkyards, tenants, and transport terminals were also inspected.
Severe traffic disruptions
The closure of Faizabad and Double Road, combined with the ongoing Kutchery Chowk remodeling, has caused major traffic gridlocks.
Residents and commuters report heightened distress, restricted movement, and prolonged delays. Many have altered their routines or shifted to working from home, uncertain of how long the disruptions will continue.