Pakistan ay naglunsad ng rehimeng lisensya para sa crypto – Mga negosyo ay kinakailangang magrehistro hanggang Setyembre

Islamabad, Pakistan – Opisyal na ngayon: Naglunsad na ang Pakistan ng isang rehimeng lisensya para sa mga kumpanyang may kaugnayan sa crypto. Ang Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) at ang bagong itinatag na Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) ay nagtatag ng malinaw na mga hangganan para sa digital na pamilihan ng pananalapi. Ang sinumang aktibong kalahok dito—maging ito man ay mga platform ng pangangalakal, mga startup ng blockchain, o mga mangangalakal ng NFT—ay may hanggang Setyembre 5, 2024 upang magrehistro. Kung hindi, maaaring wakasan ang kanilang negosyo. Ang patakarang ito ay tila mahigpit, ngunit seryoso ang pamahalaan sa regulasyon nito.
Bakit ngayon? Pakistan sa pagitan ng inobasyon at kontrol
Facing a classic dilemma: On one hand, Pakistan’s crypto market is booming—according to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), over $1 billion in virtual assets are traded annually. On the other hand, the legal landscape has been a patchwork, leaving many businesses operating in a gray area that neither consumers nor regulators appreciated.
Recognizing the risks—such as money laundering or terrorist financing—Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his team have decided to impose strict regulation rather than an outright ban. This approach aligns with what other countries like India and Thailand are doing.
VARA: Ang bagong ahensya na may malaking responsibilidad
The Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), established in March 2024, has taken charge of steering cryptocurrencies, NFTs, and related assets into safer waters. Asim Javed, Director of VARA, puts it bluntly:
"We aim to create a secure environment for investors—but those who don’t follow the rules will be shut down."
And the rules are strict:
- AML/KYC Compliance: Every platform must know exactly who they're dealing with.
- Capital Requirement: Businesses must maintain at least 50 million Pakistani rupees (around $175,000) i



n reserve.
- Cybersecurity: No room for hackers—systems must be ironclad.
- Taxation: Digital gains must be taxed, just like any other income.
Those who meet these requirements will pay a licensing fee of 1 million Pakistani rupees (approximately $3,500) and receive approval—initially valid for three years.
Mixed Reactions: Hope and Frustration
Not everyone is thrilled. Ali Raza, CEO of a local trading platform, welcomes the regulation:
"Finally, we have legal certainty! This will attract more investors."
But others, like blockchain developer Sarah Khan from Lahore, criticize the high financial barriers:
"Startups can’t afford such amounts. Instead of penalties, we should be offering incentives!"
She may be right—but the government is prioritizing security over flexibility. Those who don’t comply will be shut out.
Global Trends: Pakistan Follows the Flow
Pakistan isn’t alone in this. Countries like India, Thailand, and the Philippines are also regulating crypto, while others—like China—ban it outright or, like El Salvador, adopt Bitcoin as legal tender.
Pakistan is taking the middle path: regulation over prohibition. Will it work? Only time will tell. The coming months will reveal how many businesses meet the September 5 deadline.
The Deadline Approaches: Inaction Means Losing Out
For those still hesitating, time is running out. Starting September 5:
- VARA will conduct random inspections.
- PTA will block access to unlicensed platforms.
- Experts estimate 30–40% of current providers may exit the market.
This could lead to a market consolidation—leaving only the strongest players. Whether that’s good or bad remains to be seen.
Conclusion: A Step Forward—With Obstacles
Pakistan is venturing into uncharted territory. The government aims to foster innovation while minimizing risks. Will it succeed? The coming months will tell. One thing is certain: If you want to operate in Pakistan’s crypto space, you’d better act fast—the deadline is non-negotiable.