Pakistan Courts Overseas Crypto Exchanges With Licensing Initiative

Pakistan's newly established VIRTUAL Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA) has issued a global call for licensed crypto exchanges to operate within its jurisdiction. The move targets firms already regulated by major authorities like the US SEC, UK FCA, or UAE's VARA, signaling a strategic shift toward formalizing the country's $300 billion virtual asset market.

The licensing framework, created under the Virtual Assets Ordinance 2025, aims to balance financial innovation with illicit finance prevention. Bilal bin Saqib of Pakistan crypto Council highlights the nation's competitive advantages: "We have access to amazing talent at lower operational costs—exactly what blockchain ventures require."

With 40 million users and growing, Pakistan's crypto ecosystem represents one of Asia's most significant untapped markets. The regulatory outreach includes active consultations with international counterparts to align standards.