Pakistan passed the Virtual Assets Act, establishing a National Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority.

PANews reported on March 6 that the Pakistani Parliament passed the Virtual Assets Act, 2026 , establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework for the country's rapidly growing digital finance sector. The new law establishes the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority ( PVARA ), responsible for licensing, regulating, and supervising virtual asset service providers operating in Pakistan. The framework focuses on improving transparency, protecting investors, and maintaining the integrity and stability of the virtual asset market, while also supporting "responsible innovation" in fintech. The legislation also grants PVARA the power to combat illegal activities such as money laundering and terrorist financing using virtual assets, aligning Pakistan's regulatory approach with international standards.