Ban Urged on PUBG Video Game in Punjab
Lahore, June 28, 2020:
A letter addressed to the Punjab inspector general of police (IGP) has sparked controversy by calling for a ban on the popular online game Player Unknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG). The letter, crafted by SSP Liaqat Ali Malik under the direction of CCPO Zulfiqar Hameed, highlights the detrimental effects of the game on the mental health of youth, citing two recent incidents of suicide in Lahore allegedly linked to excessive gameplay.
The letter emphasizes that the virtual world of PUBG, known for its intense violence and competitive gameplay, has been linked to increased aggression and addiction among young players. Concerns over the impact of the game on impressionable minds have prompted calls for a nationwide ban and a comprehensive awareness campaign to educate parents and children about the potential dangers of unrestricted gaming.
Tragic Incidents Linked to PUBG Addiction
In a heartbreaking incident, a matric student from Gulshan-e-Abbass Phase-II took his own life, leaving behind a grieving family and a community in shock. Described as an avid PUBG player, the young boy was found hanging in his room with his smartphone displaying the game that may have contributed to his untimely demise. Despite his parents’ efforts to limit his gaming hours, the allure of PUBG proved to be overwhelming, leading to a devastating outcome.
Similarly, a 20-year-old student from FC College University Lahore, identified as Jonty Joseph, succumbed to the pressures of excessive gaming after a confrontation with his parents over his PUBG addiction. The tragic incident unfolded as Jonty, a diligent student and part-time worker, retreated into isolation following a scolding for prioritizing the game over his responsibilities. His family’s desperate attempts to reach him in time tragically failed, underscoring the urgent need for interventions to address the escalating crisis.
Legal Action Against PUBG
In a separate development, a concerned citizen approached the Lahore High Court seeking a ban on PUBG, citing the game’s detrimental impact on children’s behavior and mental well-being. The petitioner’s plea underscores growing unease among parents and authorities regarding the unchecked proliferation of violent and addictive gaming experiences that may be shaping a generation of youth desensitized to real-world consequences.
The PUBG Phenomenon: A Global Concern
Player Unknown’s Battlegrounds, a 2017 survival game originating from South Korea, has garnered a massive following worldwide, attracting players of all ages to engage in intense battles on a virtual island. Despite its popularity, the game’s potential risks and addictive qualities have raised alarms among experts and policymakers, prompting urgent calls for regulatory measures to safeguard vulnerable individuals from its harmful effects.
As debates around the impact of PUBG intensify, the need for informed dialogue and proactive steps to address gaming addiction and its repercussions on mental health remains a pressing priority for communities grappling with the fallout of a digital age defined by unprecedented connectivity and unforeseen challenges.
In conclusion, the tragic incidents linked to PUBG addiction serve as a sobering reminder of the urgent need to address the underlying issues driving excessive gaming behaviors and their profound impact on vulnerable individuals. As policymakers, parents, and educators navigate the complex landscape of online gaming, a concerted effort to promote responsible gaming habits and prioritize mental well-being emerges as a critical imperative in safeguarding the next generation from the perils of unchecked virtual escapism.
