Lahore, May 1, 2026: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the swift operationalisation of a globally compliant regulatory framework for the virtual assets sector, aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s digital economy and improving investor confidence.
The directive came during a meeting with Minister of State and Chairman of the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority, Bilal bin Saqib.
According to official details, the prime minister emphasised that an effective regulatory system should be implemented at the earliest to ensure transparency, stability and alignment with international standards in the fast-growing digital finance sector.
He also stressed the need for targeted measures to train young people in modern technologies, particularly in artificial intelligence and digital finance, so that Pakistan’s workforce can meet the demands of emerging global economic trends.
During the briefing, Bilal bin Saqib informed the prime minister about the transition of the regulatory authority into a fully operational regulator, along with the launch of a regulatory sandbox designed to test and support innovation in the sector.
He noted that new initiatives are being introduced in areas such as AI-driven payment systems and regulated virtual asset services.
The briefing further highlighted ongoing efforts to prepare national institutions, the workforce and the broader regulatory environment for the next phase of digital economic transformation in the country.
