Citizens urged to help Karachi regain its credentials as city of sports enthusiasts

KARACHI: Sindh Minister for Information, Syed Nasir Hussain Shah has appealed to the citizens to cooperate with the government and help Karachi regain its credentials as not only a business hub but also a city of sports enthusiasts.

Addressing a press conference here Friday to share details of arrangements being made for T-20 matches being played between Pakistan and West Indies at National Stadium here from April 1 to 3, he said no compromise will be made in turning the event successful.

"We through, coordinated efforts, had delivered during Pakistan Super League (PSL - Final) and shall repeat the same this time too," he said.

In reply to a question, he said the members of West Indies cricket team as state guests would be accorded due protocol.

Accompanied by Brigadier Shahid of Pakistan Rangers - Sindh, DIG- Traffic, Imran Yaqub Minhas and other senior officials, the minister said foolproof security arrangements will be in place during the T-20 series too with minor modifications.

Arrangements are being made with due realization that matches are being played on working days and therefore special attention will be paid to help citizens avoid unnecessary inconvenience, said the minister in reply to a query.

Syed Nasir Hussain Shah particularly appreciated Najam Sethi for his contribution in revival of international cricket in Karachi as well as Lahore, with the hope that this would soon be expanded to other centres of the country.

Brigadier Shahid on the occasion assured the media representatives that all those issued accreditation cards, after essential background check, will be duly facilitated.

"A special desk is being set-up for media," he said mentioning that in view of intense heat the gates of the stadium for ticket holders will be opened from 3p.m. to 7p.m. while the arrangements in terms of shuttle drop service as well as provision for essential needs, offered during PSL -Final, will remain un-changed.

He reminded that the International Cricket Council had earlier expressed satisfaction on the security arrangement for the PSL's final match and said the authorities would ensure foolproof security this time too.

DIG Traffic, Imran Yaqoob Minhas discussing details of the traffic plan said four roads running in the vicinity of the National Stadium including stretches running from Karsaz, Dalmia, Liaqutabad number 10 and Jail Road to National Cricket Stadium will remain closed.

Belt of University Road between NIPA and Mazar e Quaid e Azam was said to be also closed for public.

He said alternative arrangements have been made to facilitate the people to commute through Shahrah e Faisal, Shahrah e Pakistan and expressways.

For residents of the area located around the closed thoroughfares, as well as the students of schools, colleges and universities, he said roads will be opened for an hour or two (morning and afternoon) to avoid any educational loss to the students.

"Special measures are also being adopted to filter residents of the surrounding localities so as to avert any avoidable inconvenience to them," he said.

DIG - Traffic said designated parking spots for the match-goers will include Hakeem Saeed Ground in Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Urdu University ground and Sunday Bazaar.

These were said to be besides Ghareeb Nawaz Football Ground located at Dalmia. KMC ground, KDA club and China ground on Kashmir Road.