ISLAMABAD, March 8 (Alliance News): Pakistan has introduced a new legal framework for the digital financial sector after Parliament approved the Virtual Assets Act 2026, fulfilling another condition linked to the country’s programme with the International Monetary Fund.
Under the new law, the government has formally established the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority to regulate the country’s virtual asset industry.
The authority will be responsible for issuing licences to virtual asset service providers operating in Pakistan and overseeing their activities. The legislation aims to ensure investor protection, improve transparency, and strengthen regulation of the rapidly expanding digital financial sector.
According to official reports, the framework is expected to bring stability to the virtual asset market while encouraging innovation and the adoption of new financial technologies in the country.
The regulatory authority was initially created in July 2025 through a presidential ordinance, which has now been granted full legal status following parliamentary approval of the law.
Officials said the legislation also includes provisions to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing, aligning Pakistan’s regulatory structure with international financial standards.
