LAHORE: The local authorities have decided to roll back a previous decision to use the FC College grounds as parking space for the public during the Independence Cup 2017 cricket tournament being held in the Gaddafi Stadium. The reversal came after a campaign against the appropriation of the college grounds was launched by students and faculty on the social media. Students argued for the preservation of the sanctity of the university as a private institution, and also expressed concern over the environmental impact of letting vehicles be parked all across the main grounds. An online petition aimed at highlighting the issue garnered over 1,000 signatures in just two days. The FC College student body had planned peaceful protests for Monday as well. The reversal lead to widespread jubilation across the student community, as they felt relieved at the positive response of the government with regard to the peaceful protest campaign. The authorities promptly ordered their subordinates to dismantle the lighting and tents that had been set up in the FC College grounds. The local authorities have reacted very positively in this regard. The FC College administration agreed to a compromise on the use of its designated parking lot by the public. Although, the use of its parking lot has unfortunately forced the university to remain closed for the duration of the tournament. Published in Daily Times, September 13th 2017.