Pakistan's FBI is seeking to block cryptocurrency websites

On January 17, Pakistan’s Federal Bureau of Investigation (FIA) is seeking to block websites that trade cryptocurrencies. The decision is understood to follow a meeting between the agency and the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), which recently recommended a blanket ban on cryptocurrencies. FIA director general Sanaullah Abbasi said the agency will approach the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) to block cryptocurrency websites to prevent fraud and money laundering. Furthermore, the meeting with SBP officials highlighted that Pakistan “has not developed a regulatory framework for Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) to comply with FATF [Financial Action Task Force] requirements”.