ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Science and Technology, Fawad Chaudhry has said that Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) should not impose a ban on the popular multiplayer online battle game PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG).
On a social media website Twitter, the minister said, “PTA should not ban the game called PUBG. While I am personally against such ban”, he added.
He further said that he was against any kind of ban on general products as such an attitude was tantamount to killing the technology industry. Pakistan cannot afford such sanctions, the minister said.
Fawad Chaudhry expressed hope and said that the concerned Minister Syed Aminul Haq would take notice of the ban and would instruct the PTA not to encourage such restrictions as it would cause harm to the development of national technology on a long-term basis.
Well I against all kinds of general bans, such attitude is killing tech industry we cannot afford such bans, I hope concerned minister @SyedAminulHaque ll take note of this ban and PTA ll be instructed not to encourage such bans as it hinders tech growth in the long run https://t.co/GiEcFpbzDN
— Ch Fawad Hussain (@fawadchaudhry) July 19, 2020
On July 1, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) had been temporarily banned the popular multiplayer online battle game PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) for being “addictive” and detrimental to players’ health.
According to a statement by PTA, “It had 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”.
It added that the decision came on the back of complaints received from different segments of society as well as media reports claiming “cases of suicide attributed to PUBG game”.
“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 the 9th of July 2020,” it added.
Press Release: In view of complaints received from different segments of society, PTA has decided to temporarily suspend the PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) game. pic.twitter.com/ZUea4G277k
— PTA (@PTAofficialpk) July 1, 2020
“The Authority also decided to solicit views of the public with reference to the said online game. In this regard public is encouraged to provide feedback through consultation-pubg@pta.gov.pk by July 10, 2020,” the statement read further.
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