On Wednesday, 1st July 2020, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) enforced a ban on the popular online game, PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG).
The decision was made after having received multiple complaints that the game is “addictive, a waste of time and is a bad influence on children’s mental well-being”.
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. pic.twitter.com/GDJqTeuTaf
— PTA (@PTAofficialpk) July 1, 2020
It was also added that cases of suicide linked to PUBG game have also been reported. “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 9th of July 2020.”
On June 24th, 2020, a 16-year-old boy had committed suicide in Hanjarwal area. He has hung himself from a ceiling fan in his house because he “missed his mission” in PUBG, according to reports.
A controversy also arose and people took to Instagram and Twitter to share their thoughts on PUBG’s ban and the suicides linked to it.
It’s safe to say there were some mixed reactions. Fans shared their disappointment and those who don’t play the game couldn’t relate and resorted to making memes of the whole situation. Others mocked the decision, saying there are more important issues that deserve recognition rather than a video game.
Many jokes revolved around parent’s relief and children’s despair due to the ban.
