Why are games like Call of Duty, PUBG and Medal of Honor banned in Pakistan?

Video games are always under public scrutiny, be it for narrative, depictions or simply people not liking their kids wasting time on a video game. Pakistan is also among the countries that saw multiple game bans over the years due to multiple but similar reasons as other countries. The bans include some of the biggest franchises like COD and Medal of Honor.

Most recently, PUBG came under fire once again after an incident in Pakistan that created an uproar for a permanent ban on the game once again. Picking up the topic, let’s find out which popular video game titles are banned in Pakistan and the reasons behind those bans.

Also Read: How militants exploited PUBG game features to launch a deadly attack on Pakistani police station? - Explained

Call of Duty

Call of Duty or COD is the biggest FPS franchise across the globe, with every iteration selling like hotcakes, but not in Pakistan. The older COD games were unhinged, adapting stories from wars and trying to bring players an almost authentic experience.

Naturally, Pakistan has also been a part of the series, although not extensively, Call of Duty Black Ops 2 saw the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) helping the main bad guy, Raul Menendez. The mission Fallen Angel takes place in Lahore, which was depicted as an ISI-ruled city and the stronghold for Menendez.

As expected, the decision to depict ISI helping a terrorist and showing the country as a failed state indulging with terrorism did not sit well, and the game was banned. A Pakistani official in his statement said that the game is a way to influence youth against Pakistan.

Medal of Honor

Similar to COD games, the Medal of Honor was also banned in Pakistan as the game once again depicted Pakistan as a country engaging with terrorists. The single-player campaign for the game was heavily based around Pakistan, with the US intelligence operating in the country fighting terrorists.

Multiple mentions of ISI, the Pakistani secret service not being on their side and depicted helping the terrorists further escalated the matter. In an action sequence, the Task Force was also shown engaging with the ISI agents who were protecting one of the bad guys.

As a result, there was an uproar and the game was immediately removed from storefronts as a means of boycott. “The Association has always boycotted these types of films and games. These (games) have been developed against the country’s national unity and sanctity. Shopkeepers are warned and will be responsible for the consequences if found purchasing or selling these games,” the official statement said.

PUBG

PUBG had a rough history in Pakistan, similar to PUBG Mobile in India. During the early days, PUBG amassed a large number of players thanks to its addictive gameplay loop. Almost everyone across the globe was playing the game. However, back in 2020, Pakistan put a temporary ban on the PUBG after multiple complaints.

Unlike the other game bans, PUBG was banned simply due to its addictive nature. People complained that the game was a waste of time for children as well as adults. Following this, heating was hosted, with the ith Islamabad High Court finally ordering the PTA to unblock PUBG, but this did not happen for quite some time.

Most recently, the game once again came under scrutiny after militants attacked a police station. It is claimed that the plan for the attack was made via in-game chat through PUBG to avoid any suspicion. Following this incident, officials are demanding the game be banned.