TerrorismPakistan bans two video games for depicting country as terrorist haven

One of two popular video games banned in Pakistan // Source: ali213.net

A government-licensed trade organization in Pakistan has banned two popular video games because they depict Pakistan as a country soft on terrorism.

A trade association order to member stores instructed that the games be removed off the shelves of video game stores. The games, “Call of Duty: Black Ops II” and “Medal of Honor: Warfighter,” are rather typical war games where players create their military units which then shoot the bad guys.

Both games specifically refer to Pakistan’s intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), as supporting al Qaeda, the Taliban, and other fundamentalist Islamic groups.

Fox News reports that the games were removed from store shelves across the country after the All Pakistan CD, DVD, Audio Cassette Traders and Manufacturers Association (APCDACTM) released a notice to boycott both games.

The association said in its mailing too all video stores in the country: “The Association has always boycotted these types of films and games. These (games) have been developed against the country’s national unity and sanctity. The games (“Medal of Honor: Warfighter” and “Call of Duty: Black Ops II”) have been developed against Pakistan, and the association has completely banned their sale. Shopkeepers are warned and will be responsible for the consequences if found purchasing or selling these games.”

Saleem Memon, president of the APCDACTM in Karachi, said that “The problem is that there are things that are against Pakistan and they have included criticism of our army. They show the country in a very poor light.”

A Pakistani security official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told Fox News that these games are part of psychological warfare.

He said, “These games are an effort to malign the minds of youth against Pakistan.”