Is crypto legal in Pakistan?
As of June 2025, cryptocurrency in Pakistan operates in a grey area—not fully legal, but not entirely banned either. Here's the current legal status:
🔒 Official Position (State Bank of Pakistan - SBP):
In 2018, the SBP issued a circular prohibiting banks and financial institutions from dealing in cryptocurrencies.
This means you can’t use Pakistani bank accounts or official channels to buy or sell crypto.
💻 Crypto Use by Individuals:
P2P trading (like on Binance or LocalBitcoins) is common in Pakistan.
People use crypto wallets and foreign platforms, often by converting PKR to USDT or BTC through unofficial means.
🚨 Legal Risks:
While owning crypto is not a criminal offense, using it in money laundering or unauthorized transactions can lead to legal trouble.
The FIA (Federal Investigation Agency) has occasionally taken action against crypto scams and illegal exchanges.
📈 Recent Developments:
Pakistan’s government and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) have shown interest in regulating digital assets.
There's talk of introducing a digital currency (CBDC), and taxation policies for crypto profits may come in the future.
