Pakistan Launches Crypto Portal, Sets Sept. 5 Licensing Deadline

- Online crypto licensing portal for Pakistan’s virtual asset service providers - Mandatory No Objection Certificate application deadline set for Sept. 5, 2026 2026-08-24 On August 23, 2026, CryptoSlate reported that Pakistan’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA) had launched a new online crypto licensing portal, introducing a mandatory requirement for all virtual asset service providers (VASPs) to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) by September 5, 2026. Providers that do not meet this deadline must stop operating, and this change marks a significant regulatory shift in Pakistan’s digital asset sector. According to CryptoSlate on August 23, 2026, under the new framework, all participants in the crypto industry—including exchanges, custodians, lending platforms, and token issuers—must comply with a range of licensing requirements. These requirements include segregation of client funds, enhanced governance standards, anti-money laundering protocols, and rigorous cybersecurity measures, and licensed entities must also be incorporated under Pakistan’s Companies Act 2017. CryptoSlate reported that VASPs that commenced operations before March 5, 2026, are eligible for transitional provisions; however, they must still apply for an NOC by the set deadline to remain compliant. As a result, the framework specifies that any unlicensed virtual asset activity after September 5, 2026, is an offense under the updated laws. By establishing formal regulatory oversight, PVARA aims to bolster market stability, enhance investor protection, and improve sector compliance in Pakistan’s crypto market, according to CryptoSlate’s coverage on August 23, 2026.