Why is PUBG Banned in Pakistan?
PUBG (PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds) is a popular online multiplayer battle royale game that has been banned in Pakistan. The game was launched in 2017 and quickly gained popularity worldwide, including in Pakistan. However, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) decided to ban the game in 2020 citing concerns over its impact on the mental and physical health of Pakistani gamers, as well as its potential to promote violence and aggressive behavior.
Reasons for the Ban
There are several reasons why PUBG was banned in Pakistan. Here are some of the key reasons:
- Mental and Physical Health Concerns: The PTA expressed concerns that PUBG was promoting violence and aggressive behavior among Pakistani gamers, which could have negative effects on their mental and physical health.
- Addiction: The authority also stated that the game was addictive, and that players were spending too much time playing it, which was affecting their daily lives and relationships.
- Impact on Education: The PTA was concerned that PUBG was distracting students from their studies and negatively impacting their academic performance.
- Security Concerns: The authority also expressed concerns that PUBG was being used to promote extremist and anti-state ideologies, and that it was a potential threat to national security.
Government’s Decision
In June 2020, the Pakistani government issued a notification banning PUBG and several other online games. The notification stated that the games were "harmful" and "addictive", and that they were promoting violence and aggression.
Consequences of the Ban
The ban on PUBG has had several consequences for Pakistani gamers. Here are some of the key consequences:
- Loss of Revenue: The ban has resulted in a significant loss of revenue for the game’s developers, as well as for the companies that provide internet services in Pakistan.
- Loss of Employment: The ban has also resulted in the loss of employment for many people who were employed by the game’s developers or by companies that provided services to them.
- Impact on the Gaming Industry: The ban has had a negative impact on the gaming industry in Pakistan, as it has made it more difficult for game developers to operate in the country.
Public Reaction
The public reaction to the ban has been mixed. Some people have welcomed the ban, as they believe that it is necessary to protect Pakistani gamers from the negative effects of PUBG. Others have criticized the ban, as they believe that it is an infringement on their freedom to play the game.
Alternatives to PUBG
For those who are looking for alternative games to PUBG, there are several options available. Here are a few examples:
- Free Fire: Free Fire is a popular online multiplayer battle royale game that is similar to PUBG. It is available on both Android and iOS devices.
- Call of Duty: Call of Duty is a popular first-person shooter game that is available on both PC and console. It is a popular alternative to PUBG for those who are looking for a more realistic gaming experience.
- Overwatch: Overwatch is a team-based first-person shooter game that is available on PC and console. It is a popular alternative to PUBG for those who are looking for a more strategic gaming experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, PUBG was banned in Pakistan due to concerns over its impact on the mental and physical health of Pakistani gamers, as well as its potential to promote violence and aggressive behavior. The ban has had several consequences, including a loss of revenue and employment for the game’s developers and companies that provide services to them. While the public reaction to the ban has been mixed, there are several alternative games available for those who are looking for a similar gaming experience.