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A Shift in Pakistan’s Crypto Stance
Pakistan is taking a significant step toward regulating cryptocurrency with a proposed compliance-based framework. The new initiative, which aligns with international standards from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), focuses on anti-money laundering (AML), combating terrorism financing (CFT), and implementing robust Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols.
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) is leading the charge on this new policy. FIA Director Sumera Azam explained that the framework is designed to balance technological advancement with national security.
Legislative Review Underway
The proposed framework is currently under review by lawmakers and is expected to be rolled out in phases, starting in 2026. This marks a dramatic shift from Pakistan’s previous stance on cryptocurrencies, which was largely negative. In 2023, there were calls for a nationwide ban on digital assets due to concerns over financial stability and the potential for illegal activities.
Pakistan Crypto Council to Drive Innovation
To further support this transition, Pakistan established the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC) in March 2025. The PCC’s goal is to create a secure environment for blockchain and digital asset innovation within the country. CEO Bilal Bin Saqib emphasized the importance of positioning Pakistan as a competitive player in the global digital economy while ensuring investor protection and financial stability.
The PCC has also brought in Changpeng Zhao, co-founder of Binance, as a strategic adviser to help guide regulatory development and blockchain infrastructure.
A Growing Commitment to Blockchain
With these initiatives, Pakistan is clearly aiming to integrate blockchain technology into its financial system. This approach is expected to attract international investment and help Pakistan become a leader in the global digital finance space.
