Pakistan has made a groundbreaking move in the digital finance realm by inviting global crypto companies to apply for operating licenses. This initiative signals Pakistan’s intention to establish itself as a hub for cryptocurrency innovation and growth.
Pakistan’s New Crypto Licenses Initiative
The Pakistan Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (PVARA) has taken a significant step by welcoming leading crypto exchanges and virtual asset service providers (VASPs) to submit Expressions of Interest (EoIs). This is an invitation to become part of Pakistan’s burgeoning digital asset market. The announcement, reported by local media outlet Dawn, emphasizes the country’s commitment to developing a transparent and inclusive digital financial ecosystem.
According to Bilal bin Saqib, PVARA chair and minister of state for crypto and blockchain, the initiative is designed to build a strong partnership with the world’s leading VASPs. The aim is to create a digital financial future that is both transparent and inclusive for Pakistan.
Eligibility for Crypto Licenses
Eligibility for these licenses is restricted to firms already licensed by recognized regulators such as the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the UK Financial Conduct Authority, the EU’s VASP framework, the UAE’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority, and the Monetary Authority of Singapore. This ensures that only credible and compliant firms can enter the Pakistani market.
Submissions for the license must include comprehensive details such as company profiles, existing licenses and jurisdictions, services proposed (like trading, custody, and payments), technology and security standards, assets under management, revenues, compliance track record, and a Pakistan-specific business model.
Framework for Crypto Licenses
The PVARA’s framework is designed to curb illicit financial activities while unlocking opportunities in fintech, remittance, and tokenization, including Shariah-compliant products via regulatory sandboxes. Established under the Virtual Assets Ordinance 2025, PVARA is responsible for licensing, regulating, and supervising VASPs in line with international standards set by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the World Bank.
This proactive approach by Pakistan could significantly boost its standing in the global crypto community. As reported by Cointelegraph, Pakistan has already climbed to third place in Chainalysis’ 2025 Global Crypto Adoption Index, marking it as one of the fastest-growing crypto markets worldwide.
Future Prospects with Crypto Licenses
In addition to regulatory advancements, Pakistan has also announced plans to establish a government-led Bitcoin Strategic Reserve. At the Bitcoin 2025 conference in Las Vegas, Bilal Bin Saqib highlighted this strategy as a reflection of Pakistan’s new pro-crypto regulatory stance.
However, the International Monetary Fund expressed concerns in July over Pakistan’s proposal to allocate surplus electricity for crypto mining, particularly in offering subsidized power to energy-intensive sectors, including Bitcoin miners.
The move to invite global firms to apply for crypto licenses is part of a broader initiative by the Pakistan Crypto Council, supported by the Ministry of Finance, to allocate 2,000 megawatts of surplus electricity for Bitcoin mining and AI centers.
