A major shake-up has hit Pakistan’s Punjab Police as more than 100 personnel have been sacked for refusing to perform their security duties during the Champions Trophy 2025.
According to a report by news agency PTI, the policemen, assigned to ensure the safety of teams and officials traveling between Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and designated hotels, either remained absent or outright declined their responsibilities.
This unprecedented move comes just a day after the Pakistan Intelligence Bureau issued a high alert regarding potential security threats to foreign nationals traveling for the tournament. “The police officials were assigned to provide security for teams traveling between Gaddafi Stadium Lahore and designated hotels but either remained absent or outright refused to take up their responsibilities,” a Punjab Police official told PTI.
Taking swift action, Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) Usman Anwar ordered strict measures against the dismissed officers. “There is no room for negligence when it comes to the security of international events,” he stated, reinforcing the government’s stance on maintaining high security standards for the tournament.
While an official reason for the mass refusal has not been provided, local media reports suggest that the sacked officers were struggling with excessive workload and long duty hours.
The Champions Trophy 2025 has already been a challenging event for Pakistan, not just in terms of security but also on the field. The national team has faced an early exit from the tournament following heavy defeats to New Zealand and India.
Meanwhile, Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has dismissed reports of a potential terror threat to the tournament, assuring that all necessary security measures are in place to ensure a smooth and safe event.
