Lahore, Punjab Police Demands to Ban PUBG Mobile In Pakistan. Earlier, provincial police took into custody an 18-year-old “PUBG addict” after he allegedly shot and killed his mother, sister and brother while they were sleeping. Police claimed the teenager committed the act of violence after he became “depressed” after repeatedly losing in the competitive video game and being berated by his mother for “being overindulgent.”
The petitioner’s counsel, Nadeem Sarwar, claimed that in 2018 the World Health Organization (WHO) declared gambling addiction a mental disorder because it “increases levels of depression and anxiety”.
He swore that the video game was responsible for violent incidents in Pakistan due to its “negative effects”.
The attorney went on to cite that the video has become a “serious threat to users’ lives and health” and has caused difficulties for players’ family members and that it would “ruin the younger generation” unless an early ban is imposed.
“The action of state officials to ban PUBG despite horrific killing incidents violates Article 9 (Right to Life), 37 and 38-D of the 1973 Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, therefore a ban must be imposed on this game at the earliest without further delay to protect the lives of the young generation,” the petitioner claimed.
Sarwar further explained that Pakistan has no law regulating online gaming, while neighboring India has enacted legislation regulating online gaming. The lawyer added: “It was the need of the hour to promulgate laws regulating online gaming and the defendant (Federation of Pakistan by State Secretary Act) could be given an order to enact laws regulating online gaming as in other countries enacted.”
He went on to explain that India is just one of the many countries that have banned the popular battle royale game. Other countries where the game is banned are China, Jordan, Nepal, Israel and Iraq. Many other countries have plans to ban the game in the near future, he claimed.
“Known consequences of playing PUBG include eyestrain, frazzle, migraines, obesity, poor sleep, violence and more. There are also mental health issues like withdrawal symptoms (irritability, poor sleep, anger), depression, insomnia, and even substance abuse as a result of OCD.”
Sarwar also claimed that addiction to such games could trigger illegal drug abuse and ultimately lead to deteriorating health. “Nevertheless, teenagers and adults spend a lot of time playing PUBG.”
The petitioner made defendants the Federation of Pakistan through the Secretary of State Act, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) through its Chairman and the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) through its Chairman.