Daily Times

Pakistan’s temporary ban on online game PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) has been challenged in the Sindh High Court by TV host Waqar Zaka.

The ban was imposed on July 1 after the PTA 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”.

“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,” a statement of the authority said. It added that cases of suicide attributed to the game have also been reported recently.

Waqar Zaka took to social media to express his outrage as well as ‘expose’ some shady conspiracy theories behind the ban. According to the YouTuber, the ban on PUBG is to prevent Pakistani youth from excelling in e-sports.

In a statement, the authority said it had received several complaints about the game being “addictive”, a waste of time and its potential negative impact on children’s physical and psychological health.

“According to media reports, cases of suicide attributed to the game have also been reported. The Lahore High Court has also directed PTA to look into the issue and decide the matter after hearing the complaints.

“A hearing will be conducted in this regard on July 9,” it said.

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.