ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN – August 12, 2025 – The federal government has announced the establishment of the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA) to provide a comprehensive framework for the oversight and regulation of virtual assets, including cryptocurrencies. The new authority will play a central role in managing the licensing of crypto businesses and supervising all virtual asset service providers (VASPs) within the country.
Pakistan has officially launched its independent regulatory body, the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA), to oversee & regulate digital assets.
PVARA will license, monitor, and supervise Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs), in line with FATF guidelines and…
— Pakistan Crypto Council (@cryptocouncilpk) July 8, 2025
The PVARA’s mandate is to ensure all virtual asset-related activities in Pakistan are in strict compliance with the international standards set by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Officials noted that the process for issuing licenses for crypto businesses will take at least three months, as the government is prioritizing a meticulous approach to align with international protocols and prevent illicit financial activities such as money laundering.
A key responsibility of the new authority will be the prevention of money laundering. To achieve this, the PVARA will maintain detailed transaction histories and records, monitor customer activity, and have real-time access to information on licensed individuals. The authority is also tasked with the exchange of information with both domestic and foreign institutions, with international data sharing subject to federal government approval. By framing and enforcing guidelines in accordance with FATF standards, the PVARA aims to become the central body for regulating and monitoring the entire virtual assets sector in Pakistan.
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