Pakistan Sets Up Crypto Unit to Fight Financial Crime

Pakistan is stepping up its crypto enforcement. The Federal Investigation Agency just launched a dedicated investigation unit focused entirely on digital assets. Based inside the new National Command and Control Centre, the team aims to stop money laundering and terrorism financing involving cryptocurrencies.

Officials clarified that this new group is strictly for criminal investigations rather than market regulation. Licensing and oversight remain with the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority. Meanwhile, the central bank recently made it easier for crypto companies to use traditional banking services, following the passage of the Virtual Assets Act in March 2026.

This crackdown arrives as Pakistan continues to rank among the top global markets for crypto adoption, coming in third on the Chainalysis 2025 index. Traders and local firms should watch how this new enforcement arm interacts with the growing digital economy while broader legal debates continue.