IHC seeks PUBG suspension records from PTA.

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...