#pakistancryptocouncil

### **Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC): Overview and Key Developments**

The **Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC)** is a government-backed regulatory body established in **March 2025** to oversee and promote blockchain technology and digital assets in Pakistan. Led by **Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb** and **CEO Bilal Bin Saqib**, the council aims to integrate cryptocurrencies into Pakistan’s financial system while ensuring regulatory compliance and investor protection .

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### **Key Objectives of the PCC**

1. **Regulatory Framework Development**

- The PCC is tasked with creating clear crypto regulations aligned with **FATF (Financial Action Task Force)** standards to combat money laundering and terrorism financing .

- Proposed policies include **licensing crypto exchanges**, enforcing **KYC/AML rules**, and establishing a **regulatory sandbox** for testing blockchain innovations .

2. **Promoting Blockchain & Digital Finance**

- The council seeks to position Pakistan as a **regional hub for Web3 and blockchain technology**, leveraging its young, tech-savvy population (60% under 30) .

- Plans include using **surplus electricity for Bitcoin mining** and attracting foreign crypto investments .

*Challenges & Criticisms**

- **Infrastructure Limitations**: Pakistan ranks **97th in mobile internet speed**, raising concerns about crypto adoption feasibility .

### **Future Roadmap**

The PCC has outlined a **four-phase regulatory approach**:

1. **Foundation** (AML compliance, licensing exchanges).

2. **Controlled Innovation** (regulatory sandboxes, pilot programs).

3. **Consumer Protection** (transparency, dispute resolution).

4. **Strategic Integration** (taxation, international cooperation) .

With **15–20 million crypto users** already in Pakistan, the PCC’s success could transform the country into a **digital finance leader**—if challenges like energy shortages and illicit crypto use are addressed