ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is seeking closer cooperation with the United States on the regulation and governance of digital assets as it builds a formal policy and regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies and related technologies, Pakistan’s ambassador to Washington said on Tuesday, according to state broadcaster Radio Pakistan.
The outreach comes as Pakistan moves to bring digital assets into a regulated space after years of informal use and legal ambiguity. Earlier this year, the government set up a Pakistan Crypto Council to advise on policy, followed by the passage of a Virtual Assets Ordinance and the creation of a dedicated Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority to oversee licensing, compliance and market supervision. Officials have described the steps as part of a broader effort to align with international standards while managing financial and regulatory risks.
The policy push has accelerated in recent weeks, with Pakistan announcing partnerships with global crypto firms, including Binance, and signing agreements with domestic exchange HSX aimed at improving compliance, investor protection and market infrastructure. Authorities say millions of Pakistanis already use digital assets, largely outside the formal financial system, prompting concerns over consumer risk, capital flows and regulatory oversight.
