Majid Rehman, a 13-year-old boy addicted to playing the game PUBG, was found on Thursday after he went missing while purchasing groceries.
His father, Reham Mehmood, reported his son’s disappearance, stating that the boy left home with Rs65,000 rupees for monthly groceries but never returned.
Police registered a kidnapping case and began to search for him.
Rehman was found by a National Highways and Motorways Police (NH&MP) team in a vehicle during an inspection.
Apart from other items, the police found a PUBG character’s costume.
As Majid was questioned, he revealed that when he left home, he decided to hang out with his friends and spent the grocery money buying things that were of interest to him. He also talked about his liking for PUBG.
According to DSP Changezi, parents’ neglect towards their children results in such incidents.
PUBG is a widely played shooter game. However, it has been a part of several unfortunate or absurd incidents in Pakistan as well as around the world.
PUBG addicts, mainly children, have inflicted self-harm or harmed others. Some tend to run away from home. In extreme cases, players have committed suicide or shot people.
Boys from Nawan Kot and Kahna killed their family members in 2021 and 2022, respectively, under the the influence of the violent nature of the game. One boy even chased a member into the street while clad in the game’s character attire.
Similarly, children have committed suicide after losing the game or getting bullied for it.
Following several cases, the Lahore Police asked the higher authorities to ban the game.
The Child Protection and Welfare Bureau (CPWB) created the “Mohafiz” app through which one can search and share information of cases of underprivileged, homeless children who run away from their homes in Punjab.
Through the app, government institutions can also be reached in case of an emergency and citizens can report any disappearance or accidents involving children.
According to Express Tribune, hundreds of children are present in various centres of Punjab including the CPWB in Lahore.
They say love is crazy and limitless. According to Seema Haider, a 27-year-old Pakistani woman and mother of four, love was the reason behind her decision to move to India and start a new life with an Indian man.
The news of the across-the-border love story has been making rounds on social media. “You only live once then you get old and die, so I chose love over everything,” says Seema.
Seema is now married to Sachin Meena and lives in a two-room house 70 kilometers from India’s capital New Delhi. She has refused to come to back to Pakistan. “I’ll die here but never return,” Seema stated.
In an interview shared by BBC, Seema and Sachin opened up about how the romance began for them and what they mean to each other. They started talking on PUBG in 2020, becoming close friends in a span of seven months. According to the lovers, they met in March in Nepal for the first time and it was Seema who got Sachin a ticket.
Seema told the interviewer that it’s a wondrous feeling when you are talking to someone from across the border. She said, “I used to show him Pakistan and he used to show me India.”
On being asked that Pakistan is demanding for counselor access to Seema, she was pretty clear that she is never coming back to Pakistan. “I don’t hate Pakistan. It’s not like I don’t miss the country. I have spent my childhood there. My family is there and my parents are buried in Pakistan, but I won’t go back,” she said. Sachin was also very local about not letting Seema go back, he said, “I won’t let her leave till I’m alive.”
Seema’s first Pakistani husband Ghulam Haider, who is currently in Saudi Arabia, has appealed to the Saudi government to help him in getting his wife and four children back, to which Sachain responded that Seema is also his wife now, and he has accepted her with the children. Seema further added that Haider has claimed that she is still his wife, but she is not. Haider had divorced her verbally. It’s not on papers yet. She said verbal divorce is considered divorced in Pakistan.
“A woman can also file for divorce. I’ll send him a notice to make it official,” she added.
When asked about changing her religion, Seema expressed that she willingly converted to Hinduism and there was no pressure on her as claimed by her ‘ex-husband’.
She was questioned that Sachin works at a shop, do you think you along with your four kids will be offered a good life with him. “Yes, he respects me, loves my kids and that’s enough. It means nothings when one gives you money, but no respect,” she replied.
A total of seven individuals have been apprehended in the Faqirabad area of Peshawar for their involvement in renting out smartphones to children.
The suspects allegedly facilitated the children in playing online games, including PUBG, and accessing explicit videos at their establishments, according to the police.
The law enforcement authorities took action following the circulation of a viral video on social media that depicted children utilizing smartphones.
Subsequently, a raid was conducted at two shops in the vicinity, resulting in the confiscation of 45 phones. These shops were found to be renting out smartphones for Rs60 per hour.
Yesterday, three of the suspects were arrested, and an additional four were apprehended based on information provided by the initially detained individuals.
The police have sealed the shops to discourage similar operations and have initiated an investigation into the matter, alongside registering a case.
Shanzay is the first PUBG Mobile Esports participant from Pakistan to compete at the official PUBG Mobile Campus Challenge (PMCC) 2022 LAN event.
Since she was the sole representative of Pakistan at the gaming event, she has captivated the hearts of many. Her group was from the DHA Campus of Iqra University in Karachi.
The country’s Esports business has been completely transformed by this nation’s first PMCC, which has given students from all walks of life a stage on which to demonstrate their gaming prowess and shine like the real-world superstars they aspire to be.
The Campus Challenge has done wonders for the vibrant PUBG MOBILE community in terms of the overall experience and the empowerment of young people from all over the country.
Additionally, well-known figures including Hania Amir, Amna Ilyas, Junaid Khan, and Imran Abbas attended the much-awaited event to see how Pakistan’s Esports business enters a new era.
For the Esports fans present, the closing ceremony also featured an exhilarating performance by the wildly popular Young Stunners.
A 16-year-old boy in India allegedly shot dead his mother with his father’s pistol because she stopped him from playing PUBG. After murdering his mother, the boy called his friends over for a party. He kept the body of his mother in another room, turned on the AC and sprayed air-freshener to keep the smell out.
As per the police, the boy killed his mother when she was asleep with her 10-year-old daughter lying next to her. He then allegedly threatened to kill his sister if she told anybody about the murder. They have both been placed in a juvenile detention centre.
“The incident took place in Yamunapuram Colony under PGI police station area. The deceased used to live with her two children at the house. Her husband, who is a JCO (Junior Commissioned Officer), is currently posted in West Bengal. The 16-year-old boy was addicted to online game PUBG. He told us that his mother used to stop him from playing the game, this is why he killed her. The minor used the registered firearm of his father to kill the mother,” said Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Qasim Abidi.
The police said they found the woman’s half decomposed body and submitted it for a post-mortem.
The South Korean company behind PUBG, Krafton revealed that the PC and console version of the battle royale shooter franchise is making a lot of money despite going free-to-play in January 2022.
According to Krafton, the game earned $307.1 million in revenue in the first quarter of 2022, up 5 per cent year over year (YoY), after being downloaded more than one billion times as of March 2021.
Sales on PC were boosted 61 per cent YoY to $82.3 million. The surge in console sales was even higher, up 124 per cent from the previous quarter and 274 per cent on a YoY basis, though Krafton did not disclose a cash amount for the period.
From Q4 2021 to Q4 2022, PUBG’s average monthly active users nearly tripled.
When PUBG: Battlegrounds first arrived in early access on Steam in 2017, it was a premium title, but free-to-play battle royale games like Fortnite, Call of Duty: Warzone, and Apex Legends established that the free model can be highly profitable.
In fact, converting PUBG: Battlegrounds to free-to-play turned out highly beneficial for Krafton. The widely played PUBG: Mobile is already free to download on iOS and Android devices.
Electronic Arts (EA) also announced that Apex Legends, which has been out for a little over three years, crossed $2 billion in lifetime net bookings in just two weeks, While Epic raised $144 million for Ukraine aid.
The South Korean gaming studio ‘Krafton’, who is also the developer of PUBG, has recently announced a partnership with a blockchain company ‘Solana Labs’ for the development, design, and marketing of NFT-based games and services.
Solana Labs is also the developer of Solana blockchain, an Ethereum-competitor designed to offer fast transaction speeds at a lower cost.
The partnership comes a month after Krafton announced its plans to step into the world of blockchain gaming and said that it would be working with Naver Z to launch a new Web 3.0 and non-fungible token (NFT) project aimed at building a proper NFT metaverse platform.
The important context for these deals can be Krafton’s share price, which have considerably dropped in 2022 due to tough competition from Chinese rivals, who are pouring into South Korea following a crackdown from regulators in Beijing.
As a result, Korean developers are reportedly racing to develop ‘play-to-earn’ games, comprising blockchain technology to shore up revenue.
The South Korean studio has not announced which of its games might see the addition of blockchain functionality or whether it will be offered in the PUBG series. Undoubtedly, the addition of NFTs in PUBG can double its popularity and earnings with attracting more players.
A number of cryptocurrency businesses in the United Kingdom (UK) may be forced to shut down if they fail to register with the financial watchdog before a major deadline next week.
Firms providing crypto services in the UK must register with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) by 31 March, 2022. The FCA is in charge of supervising how digital asset firms tackle money laundering.
In 2021, the authority stretched the deadline for businesses on a temporary register to continue trading while seeking full license. Once the deadline passes, the temporary register will be closed.
Many crypto businesses have withdrew their applications, according to the FCA, since they did not match the required anti-money laundering criteria.
With only days until the deadline, the status of companies on the temporary register including Revolut, a $33 billion fintech business, and Copper, a crypto start-up is in trouble which counts on UK Finance Minister, Philip Hammond as its advisor.
Some businesses are now withdrawing their applications, including B2C2, a London-based crypto trading firm, just removed itself from the FCA’s provisional registry.
B2C2’s spot trading activity has been relocated to the company’s U.S. Entity from this week. The firm’s business is now unaffected as it is handled by an FCA-authorized subsidiary.
Pakistan – March 22, 2022 – PUBG MOBILE, Pakistan’s most popular mobile video game is marking four years of entertainment, vibrance and thrill for players with a host of celebratory activities. These include a Version 1.9 Update and more importantly a ‘Game Strong Hai’ anthem sung by two of the country’s most legendary artists. A unique collaboration between Bilal Saeed and Aima Baig, the song represents the playing spirit and commitment that PUBG MOBILE has shown towards its local audiences.
The celebration of PUBG MOBILE’s four years in Pakistan is being touted in an extremely decorated way. The highlight of the festivities is a catchy and attractive anthem that is unprecedented. The ‘Game Strong Hai’ song by Bilal Saeed and Aima Baig marks an engaging instance in the music and entertainment landscape of Pakistan. Through the song, PUBG MOBILE is symbolizing the transformation it has brought to the country’s gaming and entertainment ecosystem. The platform has not only created diverse avenues for exciting gameplay but also built revenue generation pathways for individuals across the nation.
Ever since it launched in Pakistan, PUBG MOBILE has been extremely successful in enthralling audiences and players through distinct opportunities for online gaming and entertainment. Marking its 4th birthday party, a number of amazing changes are coming to Erangel, Livik and Spawn Island maps for an enhanced gaming experience for users. A new floating gameplay mode in the sky, new themed camps, vehicles, and more are now available to players. Players will also have a chance to get a new X-Suit, enjoy a new Season and Royale Pass Month, and experience the new collaboration with the massively multiplayer online game Warframe.
PUBG MOBILE’s Version 1.9 Update also introduces Cycle 2 Season 5. A whole new set of legendary rewards are available including Glasses, Set, Parachute, MK14, Mask, and Cover. New 4th Anniversary-themed missions will also be available, allowing players to unlock commemorative titles and exclusive rewards through collecting souvenirs. Other updates include the adjustment of Ranked Classic Mode team ranges, Season Tokens that can now be obtained through activity in Ranked Matches, and changes to the shop and season purchase limit.
New content is coming to Royale Pass Month with Month 9: Cosmic Clash. Work through the ranks and unlock the Wukong Prime Set, Fluorescent Flash Set, and the themed PP-19 Bizon, Kar98K, and QBZ finishes! Players can unlock these rewards and also earn a free RP Voucher (60 UC) for the next Royale Pass Month, Micro Battle, by participating in the server-wide Golden Chicken event.
Royale Pass Month 9: Cosmic Clash, begins March 22nd and ends April 19th.
The new Arena mode Royale Arena: Assault is now available. In Royale Arena: Assault the Playzone appears randomly in different areas and can suddenly turn into a combat zone. Strong teamwork and quick reactions are essential as the team who completes the elimination goal first will be the winner. This fast-paced action is available beginning April 07th in Erangel and Livik.
PUBG MOBILE’s Version 1.9 Update also introduces the new Silvanus X-Suit. Find Silvanus on Spawn Island in Erangel with exclusive Emotes, X-Elements, and abilities!
A new collaboration is coming to PUBG MOBILE, this time with the massively multiplayer online game Warframe. Players can currently enjoy a special Warframe preview event that features a series of challenges to complete in order to obtain skin. Players can also look forward to obtaining exclusive skins as well as an additional event as part of the Version 1.9 update, with details to be revealed soon.
PUBG MOBILE’s Version 1.9 Update will also bring a revamped Classic Mode featuring a number of significant updates. A Recall Tower has been added in certain game modes that allows players to recall eliminated teammates, giving them a second chance for success on the battlefield. A new Fog of War Anti-Cheat system has been added to select Arena Maps and some Classic Modes to help combat wallhacks. A number of other quality fixes have also been made, including an update to the Military Base Bridge in Erangel, as well as Control, UI and Settings Improvements.
The new map Aftermath is also getting a series of updates in PUBG MOBILE’s Version 1.9 Update, with changes to ziplines and weapon behaviour to improve the gameplay experience. The Cheer Park will also be refreshed with new racing gameplay, updates to the Shooting Range, the addition of new fast-travel options, and an expanded settings section for sound and UI.
A number of other improvements have been made to PUBG MOBILE, including visual improvements, UI upgrades and much more.
With a culture of strong and adhesive gaming communities, PUBG MOBILE has brought this genre of entertainment away from specialized gaming zones and right to people and their smartphones. From making like-minded friends to creating opportunities for money, fame and recognition, PUBG MOBILE has single-handedly transformed the ecosystem in Pakistan.
PUBG MOBILE’s Version 1.9 Update is available now! Download for free on the App Store and Google Play Store.
About PUBG MOBILE
PUBG MOBILE is based on PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS, the phenomenon that took the world of interactive entertainment by storm in 2017. Up to 100 players parachute onto a remote island to battle in a winner-takes-all showdown. Players must locate and scavenge their own weapons, vehicles, and supplies, and defeat every player in a visually and tactically rich battleground that forces players into a shrinking play zone.
Founded in 1993 by James Schmalz, Digital Extremes ranks as one of the world’s top independent video game development studios. Originating with the co-creation of Epic Games’ multi-million unit selling Unreal® franchise including Unreal and Unreal Tournament, Digital Extremes went on to develop Dark Sector®, BioShock® for the PlayStation®3, the BioShock 2 multiplayer campaign, and The Darkness® II. The studio has reached its greatest critical and commercial success with the free-to-play action game, Warframe®, boasting a global community of 70+ million registered players on PC, PS5™, PS4™, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch™. For more information about Digital Extremes, visit www.digitalextremes.com. To sign up for Warframe, visit www.warframe.com.
The Lahore High Court (LHC) dismissed a plea regarding banning the popular online mobile game PUBG on Monday.
A resident of Lahore, Tanveer Sarwar, approached the LHC and filed a plea to ban the online mobile game after a violent murder in Lahore.
The petitioner had to appear on the day of the hearing, however, he did not reach the court.
As a result, the LHC discharged the application over the petitioner’s discontinuation of the case’s pursuit.
The petitioner claimed in the application that PUBG is creating intolerance in society and causing detrimental effects on young minds.
Last month, 18-year-old Ali Zain killed four members of his family in Lahore. An investigator found that the teenager was “addicted” to the online game PUBG.
According to the murderer, he went to sleep after the murder with a sense of accomplishment. The bodies of his four family members were discovered on January 19.
کاہنہ لاہور میں والدہ اور تین بچوں کے قتل کا معمہ حل, پب جی (PUBG) گیم کا عادی بیٹا ہی قاتل نکلا۔ ملزم نے گھر میں موجود والدہ کے پسٹل سے ماں، بہنوں اور بھائی کو قتل کیا. پنجاب پولیس کا خطرناک گیم (PUBG)پر پابندی لگانے کیلئے صوبائی و وفاقی حکومت سے سفارش کا فیصلہ۔ pic.twitter.com/akudvru59S
The Punjab Police had decided to request the federal and provincial governments to ban PUBG after this incident.
On July 1, 2021, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) temporarily suspended PUBG in the country after it received multiple complaints from different segments of society. However, the ban was lifted later.
