Pakistan has strengthened its digital asset oversight by launching a dedicated cryptocurrency investigation unit within the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), adding a law enforcement arm to the country’s rapidly developing crypto regulatory framework.
The new unit, established under the FIA’s National Command and Control Centre (NC3), will investigate the suspected use of cryptocurrencies in money laundering, terrorism financing, cybercrime, and other financial offenses. Its creation separates criminal investigations from market regulation, with the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA) continuing to supervise licensed digital asset businesses.
The move reflects Pakistan’s broader strategy of supporting legitimate blockchain innovation while expanding its ability to combat financial crime involving virtual assets.
Key Takeaways
- Pakistan’s FIA has established a Cryptocurrency Investigation Unit within its National Command and Control Centre.
- The unit will investigate crypto related crimes, including money laundering and terrorism financing.
- PVARA will continue regulating licensed virtual asset businesses, while the FIA focuses on criminal enforcement.
- The NC3 combines blockchain investigations with cyber intelligence, anti money laundering operations, and international law enforcement cooperation.
- The initiative follows a series of regulatory reforms aimed at formalizing Pakistan’s digital asset industry.
FIA Separates Enforcement From Regulation
The Cryptocurrency Investigation Unit will operate under the FIA’s Counter Terrorism Wing, focusing exclusively on criminal activity involving digital assets.
FIA Counter Terrorism Wing Director Dr. Muhammad Athar Waheed said the responsibility for regulating cryptocurrencies remains with PVARA, while the FIA will investigate cases where virtual assets are suspected of facilitating illegal activity.
“PVARA remains responsible for regulating digital assets, while the FIA will investigate their possible use in criminal activity.”
Waheed also urged other government agencies, including the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency and the Anti Narcotics Force, to establish similar specialist units to address cybercrime and drug trafficking involving cryptocurrencies. He added that authorities are developing new procedures aimed at ensuring investigations are completed within defined timelines.
National Command and Control Centre Expands Investigative Capabilities
The cryptocurrency unit forms part of the FIA’s newly operational National Command and Control Centre, a centralized platform designed to improve intelligence sharing and coordination across multiple law enforcement functions.
Alongside blockchain investigations, the NC3 integrates anti money laundering teams, cyber patrol units, dark web investigators, open source intelligence operations, border monitoring systems, human trafficking investigations, and Interpol coordination. Officials say the centralized structure allows investigators to monitor cases in real time while improving collaboration between regional offices and international partners.
The agency has also expanded its operational capacity by creating Special Weapons and Tactics teams, strengthening international cooperation, and recruiting approximately 1,300 additional personnel.
Pakistan Continues Building Its Crypto Framework
The new investigative unit follows several major regulatory developments introduced this year. The Virtual Assets Act 2026 established PVARA as Pakistan’s national regulator for digital asset service providers, including exchanges, brokers, custodians, and token issuers.
More recently, the State Bank of Pakistan authorized regulated banks to provide banking services to PVARA licensed crypto businesses, provided institutions verify licenses, segregate customer funds, and comply with anti money laundering and counter terrorism financing requirements.
Pakistan has also invited international crypto exchanges and other virtual asset service providers to apply for local licenses, requiring applicants to demonstrate compliance standards, cybersecurity controls, financial strength, and operational plans.
These measures are intended to create a regulated market for digital assets while maintaining financial oversight.
Enforcement Grows Alongside Adoption
Pakistan’s latest initiative comes as cryptocurrency adoption continues to increase across the country. The nation ranked third in the 2025 Chainalysis Global Crypto Adoption Index, highlighting the growing role of digital assets among retail users and businesses. The government has also explored broader blockchain applications, including discussions around a state backed Bitcoin reserve, Bitcoin mining powered by surplus electricity, and the potential use of the USD1 stablecoin for cross border payments through an agreement with SC Financial Technologies, an affiliate of World Liberty Financial.
At the same time, authorities have emphasized that stronger adoption must be accompanied by stronger financial crime controls. By assigning market regulation to PVARA and criminal enforcement to the FIA, Pakistan is establishing distinct responsibilities for supervising licensed businesses while investigating unlawful activity involving digital assets.
Conclusion
The launch of the FIA’s Cryptocurrency Investigation Unit marks another important step in Pakistan’s effort to build a comprehensive digital asset framework. While PVARA continues overseeing the country’s regulated crypto industry, the FIA will provide specialized investigative expertise focused on money laundering, terrorism financing, cybercrime, and other offenses involving virtual assets.
Together, these parallel systems demonstrate Pakistan’s dual approach to digital assets: encouraging regulated innovation while strengthening enforcement against illicit activity. As the country’s crypto sector continues to mature, specialized investigative capabilities are expected to play an increasingly important role in supporting a secure and compliant digital financial ecosystem.
