Pakistan Embraces Crypto: Strategic Shifts & Challenges**

Pakistan is transitioning from crypto skepticism to regulated adoption through partnerships and policy reforms. A landmark agreement with Trump-linked World Liberty Financial (WLF) aims to boost blockchain integration, stablecoin use, and asset tokenization, targeting Pakistan’s $30 billion remittance market and tech-savvy youth population (64% under 30). Concurrently, the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC), established in 2025, is crafting FATF-aligned regulations to combat money laundering while legalizing crypto by 2026.

Binance founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ) advises the PCC on blockchain infrastructure and youth education, despite controversies over his 2024 U.S. conviction and risks of crypto misuse by militant groups. Pakistan’s crypto potential hinges on its 15–20 million users, $300 billion annual transactions, and plans to use energy surpluses for Bitcoin mining. However, challenges like poor digital infrastructure (ranked 142nd in broadband speed), price volatility, and security threats persist.

**Key Points**

1. **WLF Partnership**: Focuses on remittance solutions, regulatory sandboxes, and tokenizing real estate/commodities.

2. **Regulatory Shift**: Post-2018 ban reversal includes phased legalization and AML/KYC frameworks.

3. **CZ’s Role**: Balances innovation with reputational risks amid energy and infrastructure gaps.

4. **Economic Potential**: Crypto could empower freelancers (3rd-largest global hub) and leverage surplus energy for mining.

5. **Risks**: Militant financing via crypto, regulatory uncertainties, and geopolitical pressures.

**Sources**

1. *The Express Tribune*: [Pakistan inches closer to entering crypto world](https://tribune.com.pk/story/2542523)

2. *CoinTelegraph*: [Pakistan’s crypto regulatory framework](https://cointelegraph.com/news/pakistan-proposes-compliance-based-crypto-regulatory-framework-report)