Pakistan Crypto Regulation: What's Legal, What's Not in 2025
When it comes to Pakistan crypto regulation, the official rules governing cryptocurrency use, trading, and mining within Pakistan's legal framework. Also known as crypto laws in Pakistan, it's a patchwork of warnings, restrictions, and quiet tolerance that changes with every fiscal year. The State Bank of Pakistan has never legalized cryptocurrency, but it also hasn't shut down access completely. That gray zone is where most Pakistani traders live today.
While banks block crypto deposits and withdrawals, people still buy Bitcoin and altcoins through peer-to-peer platforms like LocalBitcoins and Paxful. Exchanges like ICRYPEX, a Turkey-focused crypto exchange that also serves users in South Asia with TRY and PKR trading options and others with local payment gateways have become unofficial bridges. Even though these platforms aren't licensed in Pakistan, they fill a real need—especially when remittances and inflation make traditional banking feel unreliable. The government's main concern isn't innovation; it's capital flight. That's why they've cracked down on foreign exchanges and warned citizens about scams, but never banned private ownership.
There's no official tax code for crypto gains in Pakistan yet, but that doesn't mean you're safe from scrutiny. The Federal Board of Revenue has started asking questions during audits, especially for large transfers. If you're trading regularly, keeping records isn't optional—it's your only defense. Meanwhile, mining is technically illegal under energy laws, since it uses subsidized electricity meant for households. Yet, reports show underground mining rigs still run in homes and warehouses, powered by stolen grid access. It's risky, but the cost of Bitcoin mining in Pakistan can be as low as $0.02 per kWh—far cheaper than anywhere in the West.
What you won't find in Pakistan are regulated crypto exchanges like Binance or Coinbase. You won't see crypto ETFs, stablecoin-backed loans, or government-backed digital rupees. What you will find are real people using crypto to protect savings, send money abroad, and bypass broken financial systems. The posts below cover exactly that: how traders navigate the rules, which platforms actually work on the ground, and how scams prey on confusion around Pakistan crypto regulation. You'll read about exchanges used by locals, red flags to watch for, and how to stay safe when the law doesn't give you clear answers.
