Pakistan’s lower house of parliament has approved new legislation to regulate Crypto Currency and other digital assets, marking a significant step toward formal oversight of the country’s expanding virtual asset market. The move clears the way for the establishment of a dedicated regulatory body to supervise and monitor activities related to digital currencies and service providers operating in Pakistan.
The National Assembly of Pakistan passed the “Virtual Assets Bill, 2026,” following its approval by the Senate of Pakistan on February 27. The proposed law will now be forwarded to Asif Ali Zardari for formal assent before it officially comes into force.
Under the new framework, the legislation creates the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority, which will be responsible for licensing, regulating, and supervising Crypto Currency platforms and related service providers. This development brings structure to a market that has largely functioned without a clear legal framework, despite the growing popularity of digital assets among retail investors.
The authority will be led by a chairperson appointed by the federal government. Its board will include senior officials such as the governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, the chairperson of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan, the secretaries of finance and law, the head of the National AML-CFT Authority, and the chairperson of the Pakistan Digital Authority. Additionally, two independent experts in digital finance and technology will join the body.
According to the bill’s objectives, the authority will work to prevent money laundering, terrorist financing, and other illegal activities linked to Crypto Currency, in line with global standards. At the same time, it aims to encourage innovation, promote financial inclusion, and support the growth of Shariah-compliant digital financial services.
The government believes this regulatory structure will ensure safer trading, greater transparency, and stronger oversight, positioning Crypto Currency as both a managed financial sector and a potential driver of economic growth.
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