Champions Trophy: Security Row in Pakistan as over 100 Officers Dismissed

Pakistan is hosting an ICC event, the Champions Trophy, for the first time in nearly three decades. In an effort to organize the tournament in a prestigious manner, the country has implemented extensive security measures, deploying a significant number of personnel.
However, tensions have emerged as police officers in Punjab province refused to carry out security duties for the event. In response, the provincial government took disciplinary action, dismissing more than 100 police officers. A senior Punjab police official confirmed that those dismissed belonged to various departments within the force. Authorities made this decision after identifying officers who failed to report for their assigned duties.
"Police personnel were deployed to secure the routes between Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and the hotels where players are staying. However, some officers either failed to report for duty or outright refused to accept their responsibilities," the official stated.
Following this incident, Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) Usman Anwar ordered strict action against the officers involved. "There can be no room for negligence in security arrangements for international events," the IGP reportedly stated.
The exact reasons behind the officers' refusal to perform their assigned duties remain unclear. However, local media reports suggest that officers were under pressure due to long working hours, leading to stress and exhaustion. Additionally, speculation has arisen that Pakistan’s early elimination from the tournament—following heavy defeats against New Zealand and India—may have influenced some officers' decisions to avoid duty.
Meanwhile, Pakistan's Federal Minister for Information, Attaullah Tarar, dismissed concerns about potential terrorist threats to the Champions Trophy. In an interview with Geo News on Monday, he asserted that Pakistan is successfully and peacefully hosting the ICC tournament.