ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has emerged as one of the top three countries in terms of cryptocurrency adoption, according to Bilal Bin Saqib, Chairman of the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA).
Speaking at a press briefing in Islamabad, Saqib said thatfor the first time in the country’s history a structured, transparent and globally compliant pathway had been opened for international cryptocurrency exchanges to operate in Pakistan.
He stated that the issuance of No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to global exchanges such as Binance and HTX reflected a new institutional approach toward digital assets. Under this regulatory framework, effective monitoring of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorism Financing (CTF) mechanisms will be ensured.
“The step represents a shift in thinking and a major institutional reform,” he said, adding that Pakistan has not introduced an experimental or unique model.
“Major global financial centers follow similar phased regulatory models, and Pakistan is aligning itself with international best practices.”
Saqib noted that an estimated 30 to 40 million Pakistanis are already using digital assets. He emphasized that timely and well-informed decisions are essential to integrate Pakistan into the global financial system, especially as the $100 trillion global bond market moves toward digital rails.
The PVARA chairman expressed confidence that over the next decade, Pakistan will strengthen its sovereignty through technology-driven reforms. He urged the youth to prepare for the future and actively participate in the evolving digital economy.
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