🇵🇰 Pakistan's Strategic Shift Towards Cryptocurrency
. Establishment of the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC)
In March 2025, Pakistan launched the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC) under the Ministry of Finance. The council aims to regulate and integrate blockchain technology and digital assets into the country's financial system. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb chairs the council, with Bilal Bin Saqib serving as CEO. The council's board includes key officials from the State Bank of Pakistan and the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan .
. Appointment of Changpeng Zhao as Strategic Advisor
In April 2025, the PCC appointed Changpeng Zhao (CZ), co-founder of Binance, as a strategic advisor. This move aims to leverage his expertise in crypto infrastructure and global compliance to shape Pakistan's digital asset policies .
. Introduction of the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA)
In July 2025, Pakistan established the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA) to oversee and license virtual asset services. The authority's mandate includes ensuring compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) and counterterrorism financing (CTF) regulations, promoting innovation, and aligning with international standards .
. Launch of a National Bitcoin Reserve
During the Bitcoin 2025 conference in Las Vegas, Bilal Bin Saqib announced Pakistan's plan to establish a national Bitcoin reserve. The government intends to hold Bitcoin in a national wallet without plans to sell the assets, signaling a long-term commitment to digital currency .
⚖️ Regulatory Landscape
Despite these advancements, the State Bank of Pakistan maintains a cautious stance, advising financial institutions against engaging with cryptocurrencies until a formal regulatory framework is established . However, the government's initiatives indicate a shift towards embracing digital assets and integrating them into the national economy.
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📊 Cryptocurrency Market in Pakistan
Pakistan has an estimated 40 million cryptocurrency users#warrior3
