ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has decided to temporarily suspend the Player Unknown's Battlegrounds (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 serious negative impact on 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".

The petition added that PUBG was also adversely affecting the decision-making ability of children, and requested the LHC to remove the game from the Google Play Store.

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

The PTA stated that cases of suicide attributed to PUBG game had also been reported.

The LHC has also directed the 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, he added.

The authority also decided to solicit views of the public with reference to the said online game.