Pakistan Invites Global Crypto Firms to Apply for Licenses

Pakistan has opened the door to worldwide crypto companies, inviting main exchanges and digital asset service suppliers (VASPs) to use for licenses beneath a brand new federal regime.

On Saturday, the Pakistan Digital Asset Regulatory Authority (PVARA) referred to as on main crypto companies to submit Expressions of Curiosity (EoIs) to enter the nation’s digital asset market, according to a report by native information outlet Daybreak.

“This EoI is our invitation to the world’s main VASPs to accomplice in constructing a clear and inclusive digital monetary future for Pakistan,” stated Bilal bin Saqib, PVARA chair and minister of state for crypto and blockchain.

Eligibility is proscribed to companies already licensed by acknowledged regulators, together with the US Securities and Alternate Fee (SEC), the UK Monetary Conduct Authority, the EU’s VASP framework, the UAE’s Digital Property Regulatory Authority and the Financial Authority of Singapore.

Associated: Demographics will ‘leapfrog’ Bitcoin adoption in Pakistan — Bilal Bin Saqib

Pakistan units strict entry standards

Submissions ought to embody firm profiles, present licenses and jurisdictions, companies proposed (akin to buying and selling, custody and funds), know-how and safety requirements, belongings beneath administration, revenues, compliance observe document and a Pakistan‑particular enterprise mannequin.

PVARA stated the framework goals to curb illicit finance whereas unlocking fintech, remittance, and tokenization alternatives, together with Shariah‑compliant merchandise through regulatory sandboxes.

PVARA, set up under the Virtual Assets Ordinance 2025, is tasked with licensing, regulating and supervising VASPs in step with requirements set by the Monetary Motion Process Pressure (FATF), Worldwide Financial Fund (IMF) and World Financial institution.

Associated: Pakistan’s crypto minister, El Salvador’s president discuss Bitcoin strategy

Pakistan ranks third in world crypto adoption

As Cointelegraph reported, Pakistan surged to third place in Chainalysis’ 2025 Global Crypto Adoption Index, climbing six spots and rising as one of many world’s fastest-growing crypto markets.

In Might, Pakistan announced plans to establish a government-led Bitcoin Strategic Reserve. Talking on the Bitcoin 2025 convention in Las Vegas, Bilal Bin Saqib stated the transfer displays Pakistan’s new pro-crypto regulatory method.

The nation additionally earmarked 2,000 megawatts of surplus electricity for Bitcoin (BTC) mining and AI facilities as a part of an initiative led by the Pakistan Crypto Council and supported by the Ministry of Finance.