Within the last ten years, cryptocurrency has turned into a financial worldwide trend that has moved from an unnoticed concept to a worldwide phenomenon. A cryptocurrency acts without being controlled by any central bank or government, using decentralized systems that are founded on blockchain technology. The most famous ones are Bitcoin, Ethereum, Binance coin, and each of them makes a solid contribution to the idea of the digital economy that modern times are witnessing.

The Virtual Assets Act 2025 legally recognizes and regulates cryptocurrencies through the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA).

Despite the fact that this system is still experimental in most countries, its steps have been clear, and new regulatory systems are being developed across the world to support its development. Such an important development has also relatively happened in Pakistan with the recent formalization of the so-called Virtual Assets Act 2025.

Pakistan took one such step on July 12, 2025, and legally recognized digital currencies regulated them by introducing the Virtual Assets Act, 2025. This law indicates that the federal government aims to meet the digital financial future and provide productive regulation. The core of the new law is the introduction of the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA), an autonomous federal body that will be entrusted with monitoring and controlling all operations with virtual assets in the country.

This authority has been accorded the full powers to license the exchanges, wallet providers, and other businesses in crypto. It will also ensure that it meets the international standard,s including that of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). It focuses on the control of criminal acts like money laundering, financing of terrorism, and online fraud that are frequently used as the most considerable threats related to the usage of cryptocurrencies.

Given the need to have new financial systems in line with the values of the country in terms of religious and cultural aspects, the formation of the Sharia Advisory Committee is also provided in the Virtual Assets Act 2025. This body shall facilitate the regulation framework so that all the transactions of virtual assets will be guided in accordance with the Islamic financial principles.

A Sharia Advisory Committee ensures all virtual asset transactions comply with Islamic financial principles.

It is a move that has been undertaken to ensure that Pakistan balances innovation with tradition, and this may be copied in the form of other Muslim based countries seeking to embrace such a switch to digital.

The compliance with Sharia is to promote the trust and acceptance of digital currency by the people, who are inclined towards using only those financial products that are ethically and religiously sound. The initiative may also be the first step toward the future creation of Sharia-compliant crypto products.

The arrival of digital currencies has been associated with many benefits, especially when it comes to economies challenged by the inefficiencies in the banking sector, financial exclusion, and excessive remittance fees. Decentralization of cryptocurrency is one of the most appealing abilities of this phenomenon. It can forward money to any part of the world in a few seconds since it is not monitored by conventional financial institutions and charges exorbitant fees. This helps especially the overseas Pakistanis who send remittances back home.

Transparency is also another urgent benefit. The blockchain technology underlying cryptocurrencies guarantees that every transaction cannot be erased, and it is verifiable. This has the potential of significantly restricting the possibility of corruption and fraud and is thus attractive in those countries where there is an interest in building financial integrity. Furthermore, financial inclusion can be provided by technology, as individuals with access to remote or underserved locations can access the global economy without owning conventional bank accounts. With the expansion of cellular networks and the internet in Pakistan, these online systems have the potential to provide an actual alternative to the traditional banking systems.

The digital currency world cannot be free of considerable threats, although it enjoys numerous benefits. The most widely known challenge may be the tremendous volatility in the price of a cryptocurrency. The price may also swing sharply in both directions in a matter of hours, which is very dangerous to both shareholders and companies. To a developing economy such as Pakistan, this sort of instability can break financial stability when it is not addressed well. The possibility of cybercrime is another vital issue.

Hackers often attack cryptocurrency exchanges and wallets, and the results of such attacks may bring serious financial losses to users. Besides the privacy that is related to some cryptocurrencies might render them very useful in illegal actions like money laundering, funding of terrorists, and tax avoidance.

Cryptocurrency offers transparency, financial inclusion, and faster remittances, especially benefiting overseas Pakistanis.

That is why the work of the new regulatory authority is even more important in consideration of such risks. There will be a need to be very strict, have regular audits, and enforcement to make the system it secure and trustworthy. Regular knowledge and information of the people on digital currencies will also be of crucial importance to secure the population and financial control.

The entry of the Virtual Assets Act 2025 and the establishment of PVARA are an important step in the path of Pakistan. It corresponds to a transition to an attitude of acceptance of technological innovation coupled to recognition of the necessity of cautious management and risk granting. Pakistan can build the basis of a sound and inclusive digital financial ecosystem by operating within international standards and embracing Islamic aspects.

The implementation of this new framework will determine the success of this new framework. The factors that will define how well Pakistan can take advantage of cryptocurrency will be clear policy, institutional strength, collaboration with international crypto communities, and regulatory authorities. When executed effectively, this initiative may make Pakistan a digital finance regional centre and an appealing investment destination as well as enable millions of unbanked citizens.

Strict regulation and public awareness are essential to mitigate risks like volatility, cybercrime, and illicit financing.

The future of cryptocurrency is nothing exceptional. It is becoming a crucial element of the international financial system soon. The active measures undertaken by Pakistan in the form of the Virtual Assets Act 2025 and the establishment of a specialized regulatory organ are a new start in the economic journey of the country. Although the process is risky, potential gains, including financial inclusion or technological leadership, are enormous. Pakistan can be at the forefront of developing digital finance through the appropriate combination of innovation, regulation, and trust.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. They do not represent the views, beliefs, or policies of the Stratheia.