IHC seeks PUBG suspension records from PTA

The game's controlling company in Pakistan says it was not notified of suspension

ISLAMABAD:

The Islamabad High Court sought on Tuesday records pertaining to the suspension of PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds (PUBG) — a popular online multiplayer game played by millions in the country.

Justice Amir Farooq was hearing a petition against the suspension filed by the company that controls the game in Pakistan.

The company's lawyer maintained that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) did not issue any notice to the company, neither did it issue a notification regarding the suspension. The lawyer added that they would also appear in the hearing to be held in regard to the suspension of July 9.

The PTA's counsel maintained that according to the letter by Lahore police, the game has led to depression and suicide. An email was sent to this company as well when PTA initiated the inquiry, added the counsel.

During the hearing Justice Farooq observed that the basis of the suspension is incidents of suicide. The PTA has to explain how the game is leading to suicides, and the court has to see if the suspension orders followed legal proceedure, he remarked.

Justice Farooq directed the PTA to inform by next Monday (June 13) whether the company was given the right to a hearing according to law. The PTA was directed to resolve the company's application on the matter according to law, without being effected by the proceedings that are ongoing in this court.

The court summoned the relevant records from the PTA and adjourned the hearing till July 13.

On July 1, the PTA suspended PUBG after "receiving complaints from different segments of society".

"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," a statement by the authority said.

It added that cases of suicide attributed to PUBG game have also been reported in media. "Honourable 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 9th of July 2020."

The country's top telecommunication 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 [e-mail] by July 10, 2020," it further said.

Meanwhile, a petitioner moved the IHC against the ban on July 4 demanding that PTA’s decision be quashed.

The petitioner said he had won the PUBG tournament in Pakistan and was to join the PUBG World League on July 10. He dismissed the PTA’s reasoning behind the ban and contended that electronic sports are the largest growing industry in the world, and that PUBG is a way to earn money online.

Justice Farooq had observed that if the PTA wanted to impose a ban on the game, it must mention the laws under which the game must be banned. He later ordered the regulator to issue a written order on it according to the law.

The PTA told the court that the authority will issue its order on June 8 after hearing the petitioner.