Around 40 million Pakistanis have cryptocurrency-linked accounts, according to Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA) Chairman Bilal Bin Saqib.
Saqib shared the figure while briefing a Senate committee, highlighting the scale of virtual-asset activity already taking place across the country.
According to the PVARA chairman, Pakistan has developed into one of the world’s major cryptocurrency markets, with adoption being supported by the country’s young population and expanding digital economy.
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Key Takeaways
- Crypto-linked accounts: Around 40 million
- Source: PVARA Chairman Bilal Bin Saqib
- Reported to: Senate committee
- Market: Pakistan
- Major user group: People below 40
- Key drivers: Young population and digital economy
- Government approach: Regulation rather than promotion
- Main objective: Bring virtual assets into the formal regulatory system
Pakistan’s Crypto User Base Expands
The reported 40 million crypto-linked accounts point to the substantial scale of virtual-asset activity in Pakistan.
Bilal Bin Saqib said the country’s cryptocurrency market has grown significantly, with younger users accounting for a large portion of participation.
The trend reflects increasing engagement with digital financial products among Pakistan’s digitally connected population.
Young Users Drive Crypto Adoption
According to the PVARA chairman, most cryptocurrency users in Pakistan are below the age of 40.
Pakistan’s large young population, combined with increasing access to digital services, has contributed to the growth of virtual-asset activity.
This demographic profile makes cryptocurrency an important consideration as policymakers develop rules for the country’s emerging digital-asset economy.
Government Focuses on Regulation
Saqib clarified that the government’s objective is not to promote cryptocurrency.
Instead, authorities are seeking to establish oversight for a market that already has a substantial user base and significant activity.
The regulatory approach is intended to bring virtual-asset businesses and transactions into a more structured financial and legal framework.
Bringing Virtual Assets Into the Formal System
Formal regulation could provide authorities with greater visibility over virtual-asset activity while establishing requirements for businesses operating in the sector.
The move is part of Pakistan’s broader effort to develop a regulatory structure for virtual assets and digital financial services.
For users and businesses, clearer rules could define how cryptocurrency-related activities interact with the country’s formal financial system.
Pakistan’s Emerging Crypto Market
The reported scale of crypto participation highlights the growing importance of digital assets within Pakistan’s financial technology landscape.
With a young user base and expanding digital economy, cryptocurrency has become an area of increasing regulatory attention.
PVARA’s role is expected to remain central as Pakistan develops and implements its virtual-asset regulatory framework.
Why This Matters
- PVARA says around 40 million Pakistanis have cryptocurrency-linked accounts.
- The figure was shared by Chairman Bilal Bin Saqib during a Senate committee briefing.
- Most Pakistani crypto users are reportedly under 40.
- Pakistan’s young population and digital economy are key drivers of adoption.
- The government says its objective is regulation, not promotion, of cryptocurrency.
- Authorities aim to bring existing virtual-asset activity into the formal regulatory and financial system.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Pakistanis have crypto-linked accounts?
According to PVARA Chairman Bilal Bin Saqib, around 40 million Pakistanis have cryptocurrency-linked accounts.
Who provided the figure?
The figure was provided by Bilal Bin Saqib, Chairman of the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA), during a briefing to a Senate committee.
Are most Pakistani crypto users young?
Yes. Saqib said that most crypto users in Pakistan are below the age of 40.
Is the Pakistani government promoting cryptocurrency?
According to the PVARA chairman, the government is not seeking to promote cryptocurrency. Its focus is on regulating an already established market.
Why is Pakistan regulating cryptocurrency?
The regulatory effort aims to bring existing virtual-asset activity into a formal financial and regulatory framework, providing greater oversight of the sector.
What is PVARA’s role?
PVARA is responsible for helping establish and oversee Pakistan’s virtual-asset regulatory framework, including the regulation of businesses operating in the digital-asset sector.
