A new industry platform, the Virtual Asset Alliance of Pakistan (VAAP), was launched in Islamabad on November 10, 2026, to protect people who invest in cryptocurrency and digital assets, raise awareness about cybersecurity, and represent Pakistan’s growing digital-assets industry at home and abroad.
What happened?
The alliance was announced at a press conference at the National Press Club in Islamabad. It has been formed in collaboration with Asia Web3 Alliance Japan. Hunza Asif, founder of Asia Web3 Alliance Japan, has been appointed the alliance’s first chairperson, while Syed Ehtisham Hamdani, country manager at the exchange HTX, will serve as senior vice-chairman.
Key details
- The alliance aims to protect investors from fraud, cyber-attacks and fake exchanges, and to give individuals and companies working with digital assets a joint platform.
- It will act as a bridge between the public and the relevant authorities, offering guidance on filing complaints, legal assistance and protection of digital accounts.
- One of its first jobs is to build reliable data on Pakistan’s crypto market: alliance representatives said there is currently no authentic figure for how many people in Pakistan hold crypto or how much they have invested. A widely quoted estimate of around 20 million users is unverified.
- The alliance plans to create business opportunities for young people in blockchain and digital assets, guide companies on registration and licensing, and run awareness programmes in universities.
- The alliance has no regulatory powers and has not received government endorsement. Licensing and supervision of virtual-asset businesses remain with the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA) under the Virtual Assets Act, 2026.
What it means for people in Pakistan
Pakistan ranks among the world’s leading countries for crypto adoption, yet many users have little protection when something goes wrong. A dedicated industry platform that helps people spot scams, secure their accounts and know where to complain could make digital assets safer for ordinary users — while the alliance’s work on reliable market data should give a clearer picture of just how big crypto has become in Pakistan.
Source: https://en.tezkhabar.tv/virtual-asset-alliance-of-pakistan-launched-to-protect-crypto-investors/
