ISLAMABAD: National Assembly on Tuesday passed the Virtual Assets Bill, 2026, officially legalizing cryptocurrencies and establishing a regulatory framework for digital assets. The legislation, introduced by Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, had already been approved by the Senate earlier this year.
The new bill aims to create a dedicated regulatory authority responsible for licensing, regulating, and supervising virtual assets and virtual asset service providers (VASPs). According to the government, the move recognizes virtual assets as a rapidly evolving component of the modern financial ecosystem, requiring oversight to ensure investor protection, transparency, and market integrity.
Under this framework, the authority will foster innovation in Pakistan’s crypto and blockchain sectors, enable safe and secure digital asset trading, and prevent illegal activities such as money laundering and fraud. The legislation also emphasizes compliance with international standards, including Shariah-compliant virtual asset services, promoting financial inclusion and sustainable economic growth.
Experts say the bill could position Pakistan as a regional hub for digital assets, attract foreign investment, and boost global competitiveness in the emerging cryptocurrency market. By providing a legal and regulatory foundation, the government aims to balance innovation with risk management, ensuring the growth of a secure and transparent virtual asset ecosystem in the country.
This historic legislation marks Pakistan’s first comprehensive step toward integrating cryptocurrencies and virtual assets into its mainstream financial system.
