Pakistan has announced the creation of a government-led Strategic Bitcoin Reserve (SBR), signaling a major policy shift toward digital assets.
The reserve is intended for long-term holding, not speculation, with the government pledging never to sell its Bitcoin holdings.
The move is partly inspired by global trends and the influence of U.S. leadership, particularly President Donald Trump’s pro-Bitcoin stance.
Pakistan is actively developing a legal framework to foster crypto adoption and has formed strategic partnerships, including with Binance’s founder and World Liberty Financials (WLFI).
The country boasts around 40 million crypto users, with a youthful population seen as a key driver for future growth.
If implemented, Pakistan will join a select group of nations holding Bitcoin as a sovereign asset, contributing to a global trend of nation-state adoption.
Pakistan’s Strategic Leap into Bitcoin
In a bold and unprecedented move, Pakistan has revealed its intention to establish a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, positioning itself at the forefront of the global digital asset revolution. This initiative, announced by Bilal bin Saqib—who serves both as CEO of the Pakistani Crypto Council and as a special advisor to the Prime Minister—marks a significant departure from the country’s previous cautious stance on cryptocurrencies. The government’s vision is clear: the national Bitcoin wallet will serve as a long-term store of value, not a vehicle for short-term speculation or hype. Saqib emphasized that these Bitcoin holdings are meant to be permanent, with no plans to liquidate them, underscoring a commitment to financial innovation and digital sovereignty.
This strategic reserve is more than just a policy experiment; it represents a calculated effort to future-proof Pakistan’s financial system. By accumulating Bitcoin, the government aims to hedge against global economic uncertainties and position the country as a forward-thinking player in the rapidly evolving world of digital finance. The move is expected to inspire confidence among investors and signal to the international community that Pakistan is ready to embrace the next wave of financial technology.
Global Influences and the Trump Effect
Pakistan’s decision to create a Bitcoin reserve did not occur in a vacuum. The global landscape for digital assets has been shifting rapidly, with several countries exploring or implementing similar strategies. Notably, President Donald Trump’s administration in the United States has played a pivotal role in shaping international attitudes toward Bitcoin. Saqib acknowledged Trump’s influence, noting that the U.S. leader recognized Bitcoin not as a threat, but as a catalyst for innovation, freedom, and national sovereignty.
Although the U.S. has yet to fully realize its own strategic Bitcoin reserve, the mere announcement of such intentions has sparked a wave of interest among other nations. Pakistan’s move can be seen as both a response to and a reflection of this broader trend, as governments around the world reassess their positions on digital assets. The ripple effect of U.S. policy has emboldened countries like Pakistan to step off the sidelines and actively participate in the global crypto economy.
Building the Framework: Partnerships and Policy
Pakistan’s embrace of Bitcoin extends beyond the creation of a reserve. The government is actively working to establish a comprehensive legal framework that will support crypto adoption and attract investment. Earlier this year, Saqib made it clear that Pakistan was finished with its wait-and-see approach, signaling a new era of proactive engagement with financial innovation. This shift has been accompanied by high-profile partnerships, including the appointment of Binance founder CZ as a strategic advisor to the Pakistani Crypto Council.
The country’s collaboration with World Liberty Financials (WLFI), an organization with ties to the Trump administration, further underscores Pakistan’s commitment to integrating blockchain technology into its financial infrastructure. The PCC-WLFI partnership aims to experiment with tokenization, streamline remittances, and empower the nation’s youth by providing them with opportunities in the digital economy. Saqib described this alliance as a strategic move to position Pakistan at the cutting edge of global finance, leveraging the country’s demographic strengths to drive future growth.
Demographics, Adoption, and the Road Ahead
Pakistan’s crypto ambitions are underpinned by a vibrant and youthful population. With approximately 40 million crypto users, the country ranks among the top ten globally for digital asset adoption, according to recent industry reports. This widespread engagement is fueled by increased access to centralized exchanges and a growing appetite for financial innovation among young Pakistanis. The government sees this demographic advantage as a key asset, providing a foundation for sustained growth in the digital economy.
If the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve comes to fruition, Pakistan will join an exclusive club of nations—including El Salvador, Bhutan, the United States, and China—that hold Bitcoin as a sovereign asset. Currently, only eight countries possess government-held Bitcoin, with a combined value exceeding $57 billion. This trend toward nation-state accumulation is widely regarded as a major driver of Bitcoin’s long-term value, as institutional and governmental adoption lend credibility and stability to the asset class.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s announcement of a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve marks a watershed moment in the country’s financial history. By committing to long-term Bitcoin holdings and fostering a supportive regulatory environment, Pakistan is signaling its readiness to participate in the global digital economy. Inspired by international developments and driven by a youthful, tech-savvy population, the country is poised to become a significant player in the world of digital assets. As Bitcoin continues to gain traction among both institutions and nation-states, Pakistan’s bold move may well serve as a catalyst for further adoption and innovation across the region and beyond.
