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Pakistan Senate Passes Virtual Assets Amendment Bill to Regulate Crypto Market
Senate passes Virtual Assets Amendment Bill: new authority to regulate crypto, protect investors, curb illegal use. Unlicensed activity could lead to 5 years jail & ₹50M fine.
ND
by News Desk
2026-02-28
Pakistan Senate Passes Virtual Assets Amendment Bill to Regulate Crypto Market

The Senate of Pakistan has passed the Virtual Assets Amendment Bill, paving the way for a regulated and secure virtual asset market in the country.

The bill establishes a dedicated regulatory authority tasked with licensing, regulating, and supervising virtual assets and virtual asset service providers. Its mandate includes preventing money laundering, terrorist financing, and the illegal use of digital assets, while also safeguarding the interests of users and investors in Pakistan’s burgeoning virtual asset ecosystem.

The authority will have the power to issue, suspend, or terminate licenses for service providers and will formulate comprehensive regulations and guidelines to ensure transparency and compliance. Additionally, the body will engage in agreements with foreign regulatory agencies to enable information exchange and mutual cooperation.

Under the new law, providing virtual asset services without a license is a serious offense, punishable by imprisonment for up to five years and fines reaching 50 million. The legislation applies to virtual asset service providers and issuers operating both within Pakistan and abroad, signaling the government’s commitment to a global standard of virtual asset governance.

Experts believe the bill could significantly boost investor confidence, enhance financial security, and align Pakistan’s digital asset sector with international regulatory practices.
Tagged:

PakistanFinance

CryptoRegulation

VirtualAssets

CryptoLaw
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