ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has been temporarily banned the popular multiplayer online battle game PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) for being “addictive” and detrimental to players’ health.
According to a notification issued on Wednesday, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) said it “has received numerous complaints against PUBG wherein it is stated that the game is addictive, wastage of time and poses a serious negative impact on the physical and psychological health of the Children”.
It added that the decision came on the back of complaints received from different segments of society as well as media reports claiming “cases of suicide attributed to PUBG game”.
“Honorable Lahore High court has also directed PTA to look into the issue and decide the matter after hearing the complainants. In this regard, a hearing is being conducted on the 9th of July 2020,” it added.
“The Authority also decided to solicit views of the public with reference to the said online game. In this regard public is encouraged to provide feedback through consultation-pubg@pta.gov.pk by July 10, 2020,” the statement read further.
Press Release: In view of complaints received from different segments of society, PTA has decided to temporarily suspend the PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) game. pic.twitter.com/ZUea4G277k
— PTA (@PTAofficialpk) July 1, 2020
On June 23, Lahore Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Zulfiqar Hameed had recommended a ban on the online game.
The CCPO had taken up the matter with the higher authorities through a letter referring to the death by suicide of a teenage boy, who was an ardent player of the game.
Following the rising number of suicide cases due to the game, the Lahore police had written a letter to Inspector General of Punjab Police (IGP) seeking an immediate ban on popular online game PlayersUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG).
“PUBG is an online multiplayer game that has gained immense popularity among young people. The game should be banned immediately as it is leading to aggressive behavior and suicides among teenagers,” states the letter.
Last month, the Lahore High Court (LHC) had also directed the concerned authorities to ban the popular online game following its negative impacts on the children.
The directives had been issued by a division bench of the Lahore High Court (LHC) headed by Justice Atir Mahmood on May 18 following a petition which stated the PUBG game is severely affecting education and psychological progress of the children.
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