- Bilal bin Saqib meets PM Shehbaz in Lahore: PMO.
- The prime minister emphasizes training young people in artificial intelligence and digital finance.
- AI-powered payments, services in innovation: PMO.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday directed authorities to make the regulatory framework for the virtual assets sector fully operational as soon as possible, with the aim of boosting Pakistan’s digital economy and improving investor confidence by aligning with international standards.
The comments came when Minister of State and Chairman Pakistan Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (PVARA) Bilal Bin Saqib visited Prime Minister Shehbaz in Lahore, according to a press release issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
During the meeting, the prime minister said special measures should be taken to provide training to the youth in modern technologies, especially artificial intelligence and digital finance, so that the country’s workforce can align with future needs.
Bilal bin Saqib also briefed the Prime Minister on the operational transition of Pakistan Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority to a regulator as well as the inauguration of the regulatory sandbox.
The report indicated that innovation is being introduced in areas such as AI-powered payments and regulated virtual asset services.
He further added that work was underway to prepare national institutions, the workforce and the regulatory framework for the next wave of economic transformation.
The meeting comes days after the State Bank of Pakistan allowed financial institutions to open accounts for licensed virtual asset service providers.
In its circular, the SBP said: “The Virtual Assets Act, 2026 has been enacted, under which the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA) has been established as the statutory authority responsible for licensing, regulating, supervising and monitoring virtual asset activities in Pakistan.”
