The Rawalpindi City Traffic Police (CTP) has announced a comprehensive traffic management plan to ensure smooth traffic flow during the highly anticipated Test cricket match between Pakistan and England, set to commence at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday.

Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Beenish Fatima disclosed on Tuesday that approximately 370 traffic police personnel will be deployed across the city to maintain order during the five-day event. The deployment includes eight Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs), 40 inspectors, and 318 wardens dedicated to managing the roads around the stadium.

To facilitate the movement of cricket teams and spectators, additional personnel will monitor alternate routes. Notably, Murree Road will be fully closed from Faizabad to Double Road during the arrival and departure of the teams. Traffic coming from Islamabad to Rawalpindi will be redirected from Faizabad to the Expressway, while vehicles entering Islamabad from Rawalpindi will be directed to Saidpur Road via 6th Road.

Further adjustments will see traffic from Ghousia Chowk diverted to Kurry Road via Farooq Azam Road. Additionally, the Stadium Road, from 9th Avenue Chowk to Double Road Turn, will remain closed throughout the match. Vehicles approaching Islamabad via 9th Avenue can access Rawalpindi through the Expressway, while those heading to 9th Avenue from Murree Road will enter Islamabad via Faizabad.

CTO Beenish Fatima emphasized the importance of public cooperation, urging citizens to follow traffic regulations during the match. Five designated parking areas will be available for spectators, with shuttle services arranged by the district administration to transport them to the stadium. CTP plans to display informative banners at key locations to guide the public regarding alternate routes, while assistance will also be available through CTP's social media channels and FM radio.

In addition to traffic management, the Rawalpindi police have taken extensive security measures for the event, deploying 3,200 officers along with 370 traffic personnel for security duties. The route for the cricket teams will be monitored via CCTV cameras, and snipers will be stationed on rooftops to ensure their safety. Special teams from the Elite Force, Dolphin Force, and District Police will be stationed both inside and outside the stadium, as well as in the surrounding areas.

City Police Officer (CPO) Syed Khalid Mehmood Hamdani conducted a visit to the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Monday to oversee the security arrangements personally, ensuring that all necessary precautions are in place for a successful and secure match.

"The route of the cricket teams is being monitored by CCTV cameras while snipers have been deployed on the rooftops to provide them full security," said a spokesman, adding that special teams of Elite Force, Dolphin Force and District Police were deployed inside and outside the stadium and surrounding areas.