#pakistanicrypto
Chanhpeng Zhao Strategic advisor to Pakistan:
Changpeng Zhao, the founder of Binance, has been appointed as a strategic advisor to Pakistan’s newly formed Crypto Council, which signals an ambitious push to integrate digital assets into the country’s financial system. Pakistan has a young, tech-savvy population—over 60% are under 30—and ranks among the top 10 globally for crypto adoption, with an estimated 20 million users. Zhao’s experience building the world’s largest crypto exchange could guide Pakistan in creating a regulatory framework, improving infrastructure, and fostering education to boost blockchain innovation. His involvement might attract foreign investment and position Pakistan as a regional player in Web3, much like Singapore or Dubai.
However, there are serious hurdles. Pakistan’s digital infrastructure is shaky—internet speeds are among the slowest globally, and power outages are frequent. Crypto mining, which requires cheap and reliable energy, is a tough sell given the country’s electricity woes. Security is another red flag; Banned Pakistani terrorist groups have reportedly used platforms like Binance for fundraising, raising concerns about misuse. Critics also point to Zhao’s past, including his guilty plea to U.S. money laundering charges, questioning whether his influence could complicate regulatory credibility.
Skeptics argue Pakistan’s jumping the gun—crypto’s not even fully legalized yet, and the focus on flashy appointments might outpace practical groundwork. Without robust infrastructure and airtight regulations, the dream of becoming a crypto power could fizzle, like El Salvador’s Bitcoin experiment, which saw limited adoption despite bold moves. Still, if Zhao’s expertise is paired with real investment in tech and governance, Pakistan’s demographic edge and remittance-heavy economy—$35 billion annually—could make it a contender. It’s a high-stakes gamble: execution will decide if it’s a moonshot or a mirage.
