Pakistan has amended the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA). The National Executive Committee (NEC) approved the amendments during its 19th meeting on 27 October 2026. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb chaired the meeting. Among the decisions were the inclusion of PVARA in AMLA and a change to the reporting threshold for cash transactions. The development comes as Pakistan IT Minister Crypto Mining discussions continue to draw attention to the country’s digital economy and blockchain sector.
PVARA Added to Pakistan’s Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA)
PVARA is the regulatory body responsible for regulating virtual assets in Pakistan, including cryptocurrencies. The National Executive Committee (NEC) approved adding PVARA to Schedule IV of the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA). This makes the authority part of Pakistan’s official anti-money laundering framework. Separately, the Pakistan cash transaction limit has increased from Rs2 million to Rs3 million under the updated reporting rules.
Read more: US Fed Rate Hike May Pressure Pakistan’s Economy
Pakistan passed its Virtual Assets Act in March 2026. This act provided the regulatory body with the powers to license and supervise crypto exchanges. Besides, it established the monitoring mechanism for the virtual assets market. PVARA works together with the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP). The licensing activities are performed by the former institution, and SBP works on the bank services for crypto businesses.
Cash Transaction Reporting Limit Increased
The government has increased the cash transaction reporting threshold from Rs2 million to Rs3 million. The guidelines on Currency Transaction Reports (CTR) set the new limit, marking a 50% increase. It is mandatory for banks and all other reporting entities to make reports for cash transactions that equal or exceed the specified threshold level. However, Suspicious Transaction Report (STR) is not based on any threshold level. It is made in case there seems to be anything suspicious about the transaction
NEC has also allowed the inclusion of Section 28 of the Pakistan Maritime Zones Act, 2023 into Schedule I of the AMLA. This section includes piracy in the sea and any criminal activities associated with ships, planes, persons or properties. Inclusion of this provision will bring these offenses under AMLA.
Financial Monitoring Unit to Improve Its Work
Financial Monitoring Unit (FMU) collects and analyses CTRs and STRs. FMU is also authorized to obtain transaction information from individuals and organizations in Pakistan. The unit may disclose the results of its analysis confidentially to relevant investigation agencies and foreign financial intelligence units.
Read more: FIA Seizes Fake HEC Scholarship Documents
The meeting reviewed progress on earlier decisions and assessed the Financial Monitoring Unit’s (FMU) performance and resource needs. Officials also discussed using artificial intelligence and machine learning to improve institutional activities. Separately, the Pakistan Currency Redesign is ready for printing, according to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).
Aurangzeb demanded that there should be better coordination among government departments and a time-bound plan for strengthening the FMU. The committee stressed the importance of keeping the financial monitoring mechanism of Pakistan updated against any threat or technological developments.These decisions aim to improve coordination and help Pakistan implement its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing framework more effectively.
