Pakistan’s parliament has approved the Virtual Assets Act, 2026, establishing the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA) as the country’s official digital asset regulator. The new framework gives the agency authority to license and oversee cryptocurrency service providers while enforcing anti-money-laundering and international sanctions compliance.
Even though the bill requires the signature of President Asif Ali Zardari to become law,  it marks a significant shift for Pakistan, which has reversed its opposition to cryptocurrencies in 2024. Officials say the country intends to position itself as a major digital-asset hub. Plans already include a national Bitcoin reserve, the allocation of 2,000 megawatts of electricity for mining and AI data centers, and partnerships exploring stablecoin-based cross-border payments and remittances.
If current momentum continues, industry leaders say Pakistan could emerge as a global center for digital assets by 2030.

The Xinhua News Agency is reporting that the Moroccan government has set September 23, 2026 as the date for the country’s next elections for the 395-seat House of Representatives, the lower house of Parliament.

Bahrain’s Parliament is set to debate Royal Decree No. 15 of 2025, a proposed law regulating the ownership, breeding, and trade of dangerous animals. The measure—covering wild species, predators, and high-risk reptiles—will be considered after review by the Public Utilities and Environment Committee, as lawmakers weigh new safeguards for public safety and environmental protection.

Reports indicate that the Syrian Government has launched an international search for a new mobile network operator. This new operator will replace Syria’s MTN Communications. The search was confirmed by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, as announced by the government.  This opens the door for a variety of new mobile operators. The most recent network operator abandoned operations in 2021. Competitive bidding is now open and runs through June 15, 2026. The winning bid will receive a 20-year license and a 75% stake in revenues. The Syria Sovereign Fund will receive the remaining 25%.