In the wake of recent incidents of suicide, believed to be due to PUBG game, PTA temporarily imposes a ban on the game, all over the country.
In view of the complaints received from different segments of the society, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has decided to temporarily suspend the Player Unknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) game.
PTA has received numerous complaints against PUBG wherein it is stated that the game is addictive, wastage of time and poses serious negative impact on physical and psychological health of the children.
According to recent media reports, cases of suicide attributed to PUBG game have also been reported. Honaorable Lahore High court has also directed PTA to look into ths same issue and decide the matter after hearing the complainants. In this regard, a hearing is being conductd on 9th of July, 2020.
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.
A PTA spokesman said a final decision on a complete ban on the game would be made after consultation.
It may be recalled that two children had committed suicide in Lahore when they were not allowed to play the PUBG game, on which the parents of both the children had filed a petition in the Lahore High Court seeking a complete ban on the game. IG police had also sent a letter to PTA regarding the shutdown of this addictive game.
A petition was filed in the month of May 2020 in the Lahore High Court to ban video game PUBG. The court then ordered the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority to decide on the matter within six weeks.
It is important to remember that many young people from all over the world have lost their lives due to game PUBG, in this game two teams are formed and both the players kill each other with the help of weapons. The psychologists also say that due to the game, young people are suffering from mental stress while the element of violence is also increasing among them.