Legal Status of Crypto in Pakistan – Official Clarification

On May 30, 2025, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) clarified that virtual assets (VAs), such as cryptocurrencies, are not illegal in Pakistan. In 2018, SBP advised banks, EMIs, DFIs, and other regulated entities not to deal with VAs due to the absence of a legal and regulatory framework—not because VAs were banned.

SBP and the Finance Division are actively working with the Pakistan Crypto Council to develop a comprehensive regulatory structure. A crucial meeting between SBP officials and the Pakistan Crypto Council is scheduled for June 2, 2025, to further this process.

This is a significant step toward creating a clear legal pathway for virtual assets in Pakistan.