Despite calls for unban, PUBG remains blocked in Pakistan

Despite calls on social media to unban Players' Unknown Battle Ground (PUBG), the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has decided that the online game shall remain blocked.

The decision has been made by the Authority after a detailed hearing conducted in PTA on July 9 on the directions of the Lahore High Court.

PTA informed that it has approached PUBG management to share data about PUBG sessions and users in Pakistan and controls in place by the company. However, the response from PUBG is awaited.

Just weeks ago, PTA decided to temporarily suspend the PUBG game after cases of suicide attributed to the game were reported.

PTA Spokesperson Khurram Mehran said that in view of complaints received from various segments of the society, the PTA had decided to temporarily suspend the PUBG game. However, no time period has given in this regard.

The PTA 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.

The Lahore High Court (LHC) received a petition from a citizen demanding a ban to be placed on PUBG for its negative impact on children. The petition said the game had a detrimental effect on the personalities of children around the country as it "promotes violence".

After reading the petition over, the LHC ordered the PTA to make the decision within six weeks.

PUBG is a survival game and has garnered over 34 million downloads worldwide so far.