The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore is famous not only for being a beautiful sports complex but also because of the food street that surrounds it. The Lahoris are often seen relaxing and enjoying food in the open air. But it seems all this is coming to an end as Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Punjab Sports Board (PSB) have taken it upon themselves to restore the greenbelt around the stadium.

In the early hours of December 28, the Gaddafi enclosure was sealed and the area surrounding the complex -- the greenbelt as well as the pavements -- were uprooted completely, the debris left there for the owners to clean.

This all was done because of encroachment issue and under the pretext of security.

According to the business owners at Gaddafi, the operation was done without any prior notification and this was not the first time that they had had to go through this sort of an ordeal.

They complain that the authorities have resorted to such tactics without actually coming up with a plan to resolve the matter. They are still waiting for someone to explain to them why this had to be done.

It is important to understand that these people have not hijacked the place but were lured in by the PCB back in the early 1990s when the Gaddafi area was desolate and there was no scope of business here. They were promised that they would be able to lease shops until 2035 and then there could be a chance of getting a 40-year extension as well. But now it seems the PCB is going back on its word.

Not only have the owners spent a lot of money on their restaurants and shops, they have also spent time and effort in making this area welcoming for families. Most of the owners have put their life savings into their businesses as they were assured that the venture would be profitable for them.

The PCB had asked the business owners to form an association which could approach the Board with the problems they faced. An association was thus formed, known as the Gaddafi Traders Association (GTA) which is headed by Malik Rafique, owner of Dera restaurant. Negotiations were underway when the green belt was bulldozed last week.

According to Hassaan Mirza, the owner of Maida Restaurant, "We were in negotiations with the PCB and we were ready to cooperate but the association did ask the PCB to come up with a master plan so that the plan of action would be clear.

"The last meeting took place in October in which Nayyar Ali Dada gave a new design for the area, we were waiting to hear from the authorities but instead they came and destroyed the property without giving any reason."

Like him all the owners are tired of being harassed in this way and would appreciate an explanation as to why they are not being informed regarding the area limit that they are allowed to cover.

Renowned architect Nayyar Ali Dada, when approached, confirmed that he had designed a new area which the GTA had presented to the PCB. "The land is not for construction and is supposed to be a green belt," he told TNS.

"There has to be a uniformity in the outlook so that it is more beautiful aesthetically. But the PCB did not control the situation from the start. It is better to come up with a one-time solution instead of destroying property like this."

Dada further said that security is the main issue now that there is a chance of revival of cricket in Pakistan. "It has to be managed properly and the place has to present a dignified look."

So far, the PCB has been unable to clarify how encroachment is a security hazard. Though the land does belong to the PCB and they can do with it as they please, the business owners should be notified in advance and all parties should be on the same page.

Rana Mumtaz, owner of Balochi Sajji, said: "This place used to be desolate and was uninhabited but we invested here at a time when no one else would. We made this a place where families could come and have a good time."

The business owners feel that now that the property has become "worth something," they are being forced out. They believe that the authorities want them to evacuate the area but instead of clearly stating this, harassment tactics are being used.

They want the owners to leave on their own accord. They also protested that while they are being accused of encroachment the PCB has conveniently dumped their generators and transformers all over the greenbelt. Not only that, they also have a parking space made there.

The owners want to know why the encroachment law does not apply to the PCB. The lawns in front of the shops that were indoors have also been destroyed. Also, the GTA has taken a stay order from the court which the PCB and the PSB ignored completely.

When contacted, the spokesman for PSB Abdul Rauf Rufi explained, "Sports are important for Pakistan and what needs to be understood is that business can be done anywhere in the country but this area is important for the future of sports and international teams complain about less security."

When asked whether this was their doing or the PCB was also involved, Rufi said, "Both organisations are working for this cause together and legal notifications have been issued to business owners repeatedly for several years about encroachment."

The Town Municipal Office confirmed that they were behind the demolition.

The PCB and the PSB have clearly violated a court order so it remains to be seen what will become of that.

It seems security is being used as a ruse by the authorities and there is an underlying agenda which is being pursued. This suspicion is further confirmed by PCB’s silence over the matter -- when approached, the officials were unavailable for comment.