Saylani Welfare International Trust Chairman Maulana Muhammad Bashir Farooq Qadri has reaffirmed his position that cryptocurrency is permissible under Islamic law, stating that he issued a fatwa on the matter approximately 13 months ago.
According to publicly available reports, he made the remarks during an emergency meeting at Saylani's head office attended by blockchain experts, religious scholars, and other stakeholders to discuss the evolving role of digital assets.
Fatwa Shared With Relevant Institutions
During the meeting, Maulana Bashir Farooq said the fatwa had already been forwarded to the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII), the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), and the relevant government ministry for consideration.
He stated that the meeting revisited the ongoing discussion surrounding the religious and regulatory status of cryptocurrencies in Pakistan.
Remarks on Cryptocurrency
According to the reports, Maulana Bashir Farooq argued that cryptocurrency is compatible with Islamic principles and also aligns with the country's evolving policy direction.
He further noted that many countries around the world have adopted or permit various forms of digital asset transactions, highlighting the growing global acceptance of blockchain-based financial technologies.
Ongoing Debate in Pakistan
Cryptocurrency remains an area of active discussion in Pakistan, involving regulators, policymakers, financial experts, technology professionals, and religious scholars.
While interest in digital assets continues to grow, Pakistan's regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies is still evolving. Discussions continue regarding consumer protection, financial regulation, taxation, anti-money laundering measures, technological innovation, and compliance with applicable laws.
Scholarly opinions on the religious permissibility of cryptocurrencies also vary, with different Islamic scholars and institutions expressing differing interpretations based on their understanding of Islamic finance principles.
Looking Ahead
As digital assets continue to gain international attention, conversations surrounding cryptocurrency in Pakistan are expected to continue. Future developments will depend on decisions made by the relevant regulatory authorities, policymakers, and religious institutions.
A clear legal and regulatory framework could provide greater certainty for investors, businesses, and technology companies operating in the digital asset ecosystem.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available reports. The statements referenced reflect the views of the individual quoted and should not be interpreted as religious rulings, legal advice, financial advice, or the official position of any government authority. Readers should consult qualified scholars and relevant regulatory bodies for guidance.
