Over 100 police officers from Punjab, Pakistan, were dismissed for refusing security duties during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. These personnel were expected to ensure the safety of teams traveling between Gaddafi Stadium and hotels but frequently absented themselves or declined their responsibilities. IGP Punjab Usman Anwar emphasized the need for accountability in securing international events. Some dismissed officers reportedly felt overburdened due to extended working hours. Despite concerns, Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar affirmed that the tournament is secure, highlighting the positive atmosphere and large crowds celebrating cricket throughout the country.
Champions Trophy 2025: A commando from the Pakistan Rangers stands guard outside the Gaddafi Stadium.© AFP
In a notable development, over 100 officers from Pakistan’s Punjab Police have been relieved from duty for refusing to undertake their designated security responsibilities during the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025, police officials reported on Tuesday. The officers dismissed were linked to various divisions of the police force. An official from the Punjab Police stated that more than 100 police officials and officers were removed due to frequent absences from duty, with additional individuals refusing to carry out their assigned roles during the tournament.
“The police officials were tasked with ensuring the safety of teams traveling between Qaddafi Stadium Lahore and their designated hotels, but many either failed to appear or outright declined to fulfill their duties,” the official explained.
The official noted that IGP Punjab Usman Anwar has taken cognizance of the situation and mandated strict measures against the officers involved. “Negligence in securing international events is unacceptable,” he emphasized.
While there has been no official explanation for the refusal of the dismissed police personnel to fulfill their duties, various local media sources indicate that the terminated officers felt overwhelmed by extended working hours.
The Pakistan cricket team has already been knocked out of the Champions Trophy after suffering disheartening defeats against New Zealand and India.
In the meantime, Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has dismissed rumors regarding a potential terror threat to the Champions Trophy tournament in Pakistan.
In a conversation with Geo News on Monday, the minister asserted: “I want to emphasize that Pakistan is safely and effectively hosting the ICC Champions Trophy. Our stadiums are packed, fans from around the globe are present, the crowds are jubilant, and our streets are filled with those celebrating the joy of cricket.”
(Aside from the headline, this article has not been modified by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated source.)
Topics mentioned in this article