- Bilal bin Saqib meets PM Shehbaz in Lahore: PMO.
- PM emphasizes youth education in AI, digital economy.
- AI-Driven Payments, Services Under Innovation: PMO.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday directed authorities to make the regulatory framework for the virtual assets sector fully operational as early as possible with the aim of strengthening Pakistan’s digital economy and increasing investor confidence through alignment with international standards.
The remarks came when Prime Minister and Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA) Chairman Bilal Bin Saqib called on 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 that special measures should be taken to provide training to youth in modern technologies, especially artificial intelligence and digital finance, so that the country’s workforce can be adapted to future requirements.
Bilal bin Saqib also briefed the Prime Minister on the operational transition of the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority to a regulator, as well as the inauguration of the regulatory sandbox.
The briefing stated that innovation is being introduced in areas such as AI-powered payments and regulated virtual asset services.
It further added that efforts are underway to prepare the national institutions, workforce and 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 providers.
In its circular, the SBP said: “The Virtual Assets Act, 2026, has been enacted under which the Pakistan Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (PVARA) has been established as the statutory authority responsible for the licensing, regulation, supervision and oversight of virtual asset activities in Pakistan.”
