Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency established a cryptocurrency investigation unit within its National Command and Control Centre to combat money laundering and terrorism financing conducted through digital assets. The unit was created to investigate criminal use of crypto while the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority handles regulation, according to FIA Counter-Terrorism Wing Director Dr Muhammad Athar Waheed. The move represents the enforcement component of Pakistan's rapid national push to formalize the crypto sector, which has included lifting an eight-year banking ban and advancing exchange licensing frameworks.
FIA Establishes Crypto Investigation Unit Within National Command Centre
The Federal Investigation Agency created the cryptocurrency investigation unit inside its newly operational National Command and Control Centre (NC3). FIA Counter-Terrorism Wing Director Dr Muhammad Athar Waheed told local media outlet Dawn the unit would investigate the criminal use of crypto, while the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority remains the body responsible for regulating digital assets.
Dr Waheed urged two other agencies—the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency and the Anti-Narcotics Force—to build similar units to counter crypto's use in cybercrime and the drug trade. He stated new rules were being drafted to wrap up inquiries within fixed timeframes.
The NC3 centre brings the FIA's financial-crime tools onto one platform, including anti-money laundering and virtual-currency investigation desks, an Interpol coordination point, and units for open-source intelligence, cyber patrolling and dark web investigation.
Pakistan Lifted Banking Ban and Created Regulatory Authority
Pakistan ranked third in the Chainalysis 2025 Global Crypto Adoption Index. Islamabad lifted an eight-year crypto banking ban, created the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority, began advancing licences for crypto exchanges and explored tokenizing state assets.
Pakistan struck a deal with an affiliate of World Liberty Financial to explore using its USD1 stablecoin for cross-border payments.
Islamic Seminary Issued Fatwa Questioning Crypto's Legal Status
In June, the Jamia Darul Uloom Karachi seminary ruled that cryptocurrency is not "wealth" under Islamic law and therefore not a valid means of payment. PVARA chairman Bilal bin Saqib asked the seminary to distinguish between purely speculative tokens and asset-backed instruments such as fully reserved stablecoins and blockchain-recorded sukuk. Bilal bin Saqib told Reuters that Pakistan could "lead the world in Shariah-compliant digital finance."
FAQ
What did Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency establish to combat crypto crime?
Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency established a cryptocurrency investigation unit within its National Command and Control Centre to target money laundering and terrorism financing conducted through digital assets. FIA Counter-Terrorism Wing Director Dr Muhammad Athar Waheed confirmed the unit investigates criminal use of crypto while the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority handles regulation.
What regulatory changes has Pakistan made regarding cryptocurrency?
Pakistan lifted an eight-year crypto banking ban, created the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority, began advancing licences for crypto exchanges, and struck a deal with a World Liberty Financial affiliate to explore using its USD1 stablecoin for cross-border payments. Pakistan ranked third in the Chainalysis 2025 Global Crypto Adoption Index.
What did the Jamia Darul Uloom Karachi seminary rule about cryptocurrency?
In June, the Jamia Darul Uloom Karachi seminary issued a fatwa ruling that cryptocurrency is not "wealth" under Islamic law and therefore not a valid means of payment. PVARA chairman Bilal bin Saqib subsequently asked the seminary to distinguish between speculative tokens and asset-backed instruments such as fully reserved stablecoins and blockchain-recorded sukuk.
