Pakistan Announces New Licensing Program for Global Crypto Companies

Pakistan has made a significant move towards cryptocurrency adoption by announcing a new licensing program that is ready to serve international companies. As per Chainalysis’s Global Crypto Adoption Index 2025, Pakistan has moved up six places at number 3.

According to the country’s Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Blockchain and Crypto, Bilal Bin Saqib, this shows Pakistan's immense potential in embracing digital assets.

Pakistan has formally submitted the Expression of Interest (EOI) at international cryptocurrency exchanges to invite global companies to operate in Pakistan under the new licensing regime.

Official Statement by Pakistan Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (PVARA)

The official statement by Pakistan Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (PVARA) reads, “Pakistan's crypto licensing authority has opened its doors to international companies, sending a clear message that our regulatory framework is ready for business," said the chairman of the PVARA and Minister of State for crypto and blockchain, Bilal bin Saqib. "This EoI is our invitation to the world's leading VASPs to work together in building a transparent and inclusive digital financial future for Pakistan.”

According to PVARA's statement, the regulatory authority will offer a customized licensing framework to achieve the twin objectives of innovation and supervision. The licensing will set the tone for enhanced control and responsibility for the use of digital assets and help eliminate illicit financial activities.

Important Reads: Pakistan Establishes Crypto Regulatory Authority to Oversee Bitcoin and Digital Assets

Only International Companies to Be Registered

Under the new licensing program, Pakistan will only accept applications from international companies already operating in different parts of the world and maintaining a positive reputation. The global companies seeking the license to operate in Pakistan will be thoroughly evaluated based on their current licensing, services offered, technologies and security measures. In addition, the EOI is only open to companies already authorized by select regulators such as the SEC [U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission], the FCA [UK Financial Conduct Authority], the EU's VASP framework, the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority of the United Arab Emirates and MAS (Monetary Authority of Singapore).

Pakistan is making substantial strides towards cryptocurrency adoption and offers an exciting opportunity for global companies to leverage the country's crypto-friendly policies. Earlier this year, the Pakistan government earmarked 2,000 megawatts of surplus electricity to be used for Bitcoin mining AI data centres. This initiative is set to attract the attention of global cryptocurrency miners, offering them an ideal environment to launch their operations in Pakistan.