Pakistan’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) issued a regulatory notice requiring virtual asset service providers (VASPs) to obtain authorization in advance.

According to an official announcement by the Pakistan Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (PVARA), under the 2026 Virtual Assets Act, all virtual asset services fall within PVARA’s regulatory purview and must obtain prior authorization before commencing operations or making public announcements. PVARA welcomes responsible innovation and encourages relevant stakeholders to engage with the authority at an early stage. Innovators may pursue compliant business activities through pathways such as the regulatory sandbox, No-Action Relief Letters, and Letters of No Objection (NOC).