Pakistan’s approach to cryptocurrency has entered a new phase. The Virtual Assets Act, 2026, established a statutory framework, with the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA) responsible for licensing and overseeing virtual asset service providers.

On April 14, 2026, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) also replaced its earlier restrictive banking instructions with a framework allowing banks to open accounts for appropriately licensed providers, subject to safeguards.

PVARA’s Pakistan Virtual Asset Services Regulations, 2026, and Activity Specific…