---
type: country
domain: crypto-regulation
status: stable
tags: ["crypto-regulation", "south_asia", "legal"]
aliases: ["PK", "PAK", "پاکستان"]
created: 2026-06-01
updated: 2026-04-02
compile_into: ["[[country--pakistan]]"]
sources:
  - name: "https://www.sbp.org.pk"
    url: "https://www.sbp.org.pk"
    type: "official"
  - name: "https://www.secp.gov.pk"
    url: "https://www.secp.gov.pk"
    type: "official"
---

#  Pakistan (PK) — Crypto Regulation

> Pakistan passed the Virtual Assets Act 2026 (March 9, 2026), establishing PVARA (Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority) as the permanent federal crypto regulator. The SBP reversed its 2018 banking ban on April 14, 2026 via BPRD Circular Letter No. 10 of 2026. PVARA is issuing No Objection Certificates to VASPs; Binance and HTX received NOCs in December 2025. Full VASP licenses are being rolled out under a phased framework. A 15% capital gains tax applies to crypto profits above PKR 500,000.

## Overview

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Status | Legal |
| Risk Score | 25/100 (Low Risk) |
| Enforcement Level | Low |
| Region | [[domain--asia-pacific|south asia]] |
| Currency | [[entity--pkr|PKR]] |

## Tax

| Type | Rate |
|------|------|
| Capital Gains (Personal) | No specific crypto tax; general CGT rates (12.5-15%) could apply if formalized |
| Capital Gains (Corporate) | 29% CIT (general) |
| VAT on Crypto | No |
| Mining Tax | No specific guidance |
| Staking Tax | Unclear - no specific guidance |
| Airdrop Tax | Unclear |

No crypto-specific tax guidance available.

## Licensing

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Required | Yes |
| Regulator | [[entity--pvara|PVARA]] |
| Framework | Virtual Assets Act 2026 (passed March 9, 2026); preceded by Pakistan Virtual Assets Ordinance 2025 (promulgated July 8, 2025). SBP BPRD Circular Letter No. 10 of 2026 (April 14, 2026) reversed 2018 banking ban for PVARA-licensed entities. |
| Ease | very_complex |
| Cost | N/A - no licensing pathway |
| Timeline | N/A months |

## AML / KYC

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| KYC Required | <span style="color:var(--text-dim,#888)">&mdash;</span> |
| Travel Rule | <span style="color:var(--text-dim,#888)">&mdash;</span> |
| FATF Member | <span style="color:var(--text-dim,#888)">&mdash;</span> |

## DeFi

**Status:** Restricted

## Stablecoins

**Status:** Restricted

## NFTs

**Status:** unregulated

## Mining

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Legal | Yes |
| Electricity Cost | $0.079/kWh |
| Renewable Energy | 35% |
| Climate | arid |
| Infrastructure | fair |

Mining is restricted due to regulatory uncertainty and high electricity costs; no formal mining licenses issued. Electricity cost data from 2026 estimates.

## Geopolitics

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Stability | moderate |
| Sanctions | No |
| Corruption Index | 32/100 |
| Ease of Business | difficult |
| Internet Freedom | partly_free |
| Banking Access | restricted |

## Enforcement

No detailed enforcement information available

## CBDC Status: research

## FAQ

### Is cryptocurrency legal in Pakistan?

Pakistan passed the Virtual Assets Act 2026 (March 9, 2026), establishing PVARA (Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority) as the permanent federal crypto regulator. The SBP reversed its 2018 banking ban on April 14, 2026 via BPRD Circular Letter No. 10 of 2026. PVARA is issuing No Objection Certificates to VASPs; Binance and HTX received NOCs in December 2025. Full VASP licenses are being rolled out under a phased framework. A 15% capital gains tax applies to crypto profits above PKR 500,00

### Are VASPs licensed in Pakistan?

Yes, licensing is required for VASPs.

---

*Data source: [Soken Crypto Legal Map](https://soken.dev/crypto-map/). Last reviewed: 2026-06-01.*

**Sources:**
- [https://www.sbp.org.pk](https://www.sbp.org.pk)
- [https://www.secp.gov.pk](https://www.secp.gov.pk)