The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority said on Thursday that the ban it imposed on online game Players’ Unknown Battle Ground (PUBG) will remain in place.
The authority had asked the game developers to share data about PUBG sessions, its users in Pakistan and regulatory measures, but no response has been received yet.
People on Twitter are calling for the Information Technology Minister Aminul Haque’s resignation for “not restricting the PTA from blocking the game”.Play Video
However, on Sunday, Haque said the authority doesn’t fall under his ministry.
Federal Science Minister Fawad Chaudhry had expressed his hope that the IT minister would take note of it and the PTA would be instructed not to encourage such bans as they hinder technological growth in the long run.
In response, Haque had said the IT Ministry does not have control over the PTA. The authority is overseen by the Cabinet Division, he said. Haque added that he was also against restrictions that could hamper progress.
A temporary ban was imposed on the battle royale game on July 1. The authority said it 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 children.”
It had asked people who want the ban removed to send emails with their reservations by July 10.
Petitions were filed against the ban in the Sindh High Court and the Islamabad High Court. On July 6, the Islamabad High Court sent the petition against the suspension of the game to the PTA.
PUBG, which has been developed by a South Korean company, is a 2017 survival game in which players are dropped onto an island to battle it out against others.
Originally published at : samaa