Pakistan Passes Virtual Assets Bill for Regulation and Investor Protection

Pakistan has taken a significant step towards regulating its digital economy with the passage of the Virtual Assets Bill 2026 in the Senate.

The bill aims to establish a transparent and secure ecosystem for virtual assets, positioning Pakistan as a credible jurisdiction for investors. It will empower the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA) to oversee the registration and licensing of virtual asset exchanges, custodians, and other service providers.

The legislation introduces regulatory provisions, including mandatory licensing for virtual asset service providers, market surveillance mechanisms, anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing compliance, and coordination with Pakistani financial regulators. It will enhance market transparency by aligning the country's digital asset regime with international standards.

Pakistan has been actively engaged in virtual assets, ranking among the world's largest cryptocurrency markets by adoption. The Virtual Assets Bill 2026 provides a legal foundation to channel this growth into a regulated framework.