PESHAWAR: Loud blasts heard across the city triggered panic among residents, but authorities later clarified that the sounds were the result of fireworks at the Imran Khan Cricket Stadium during the opening ceremony of the National T20 Tournament.
The intense fireworks display at the stadium caused alarm in several areas of the city, with many residents fearing that the sounds were explosions.
Rumours of blasts quickly began circulating on social media, prompting concern among the public.
However, the district administration soon issued a clarification, assuring citizens that the sounds were part of the celebratory fireworks marking the start of the tournament and that no untoward incident had taken place.
Earlier, Dr Mian Saeed visited the stadium to review security arrangements ahead of the event. During the visit, Farhan Khan briefed him on the detailed security plan put in place for the tournament.
Speaking on the occasion, the CCPO said security across the city had been placed on high alert and a comprehensive security strategy had been devised to maintain law and order. He added that checking at all entry and exit points had been further tightened.
Providing details of the security arrangements, he said modern technology was being used to monitor the event, including anti-drone guns, drone cameras and mobile surveillance units.
Police personnel had been deployed along various routes, plugging points, rooftops of nearby buildings and outer security perimeters.
In addition, walk-through gates, metal detectors, bomb disposal unit teams and sniffer dogs had been deployed at all entry points of the stadium to ensure strict security and prevent any security lapse.
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