ISLAMABAD, November 10, 2026: The Virtual Asset Industry Alliance of Pakistan (VAAP) has unveiled an industry-led initiative aimed at strengthening cryptocurrency investor awareness, cybersecurity education, independent research and responsible representation of Pakistan’s growing digital-asset sector.
The initiative seeks to bring together cryptocurrency users, blockchain businesses, technology professionals and other stakeholders to promote informed participation and greater transparency in the country’s virtual-asset ecosystem.
Pakistan ranked third globally in the Chainalysis 2025 Global Crypto Adoption Index, behind India and the United States, highlighting the country’s position in global cryptocurrency adoption.
However, the ranking measures adoption-related activity rather than the number of individual investors. Separately, industry estimates cited in media reports suggest approximately 20 million cryptocurrency users in Pakistan, although the figure has not been independently verified.
VAAP said the absence of reliable data on cryptocurrency users made it difficult to assess investor needs, cybersecurity risks and emerging industry challenges.
To address these gaps, the alliance plans to undertake independent research and encourage voluntary, privacy-conscious community participation to generate more reliable information for industry stakeholders and relevant institutions.
The initiative is chaired by Hinza Asif, Founder and President of Asia Web3 Alliance Japan (AWAJ), who has seven years of experience working within Japan’s blockchain and Web3 ecosystem.
Asif aims to use international industry-coordination experience to strengthen investor education, institutional dialogue and cross-border cooperation between Pakistan and international blockchain networks.
AWAJ is a Japan-based Web3 industry network that connects startups, investors, businesses and institutional stakeholders through international collaboration and market-access initiatives.
Syed Ehtesham Hamdani, identified as HTX Country Manager, serves as VAAP’s Senior Vice Chairman. His responsibilities include industry coordination, community engagement and investor awareness.
Industry experts and community representatives Shafique Ul Hassan, Hamza Kiyani, Zain Ul Abedieen, Muhammad Ismail and Mubashir Irfan also participated in the press conference, contributing perspectives on cybersecurity, investor protection and responsible industry development.
VAAP’s proposed governance structure includes a chairperson, senior vice chairman and vice chairman, supported by an advisory board, specialist working groups and international advisers.
The alliance also plans to introduce a website-based membership and voting system allowing eligible members to participate in selected projects and internal decisions under published rules.
Its key priorities include cybersecurity awareness, investor education, responsible market practices, independent data collection and evidence-based policy dialogue.
VAAP clarified that it is an industry-led platform operating within applicable Pakistani laws and does not possess regulatory authority or claim government endorsement.
The alliance said its long-term objective was to promote a more transparent, informed and responsibly represented digital-asset industry by combining local participation, independent research and international cooperation.