Pakistan will accelerate the introduction of bitcoin and cryptocurrencies into the state economy

Key points:

• Pakistan has officially announced that bitcoin and digital assets will form the basis of the country’s new financial system.
• The authorities believe that crypto technologies will help accelerate economic growth and create a developed crypto ecosystem.
• The country is already among the world leaders in the adoption of cryptocurrencies and ranks third in the Chainalysis index.

Bilal Bin Saqib, the minister responsible for the development of the cryptocurrency industry and blockchain in Pakistan, said that bitcoin and other digital assets are seen by the authorities as an important element of the country’s future financial model. According to him, the use of crypto technologies could bring tangible benefits to the population of over 240 million people, and government agencies are already studying possible mechanisms for regulating the market.

He made his statements at the Bitcoin MENA event. Prior to that, Saqib published an address in which he noted that traditional economic approaches had exhausted themselves and that the country needed a new source of growth. He sees the development of digital assets as such a driver.

Crypto technologies as the foundation of a renewed financial model

During the discussions, Saqib emphasized that in Pakistan, cryptocurrencies, blockchain, and other digital tools are not perceived as ways to profit from exchange rate fluctuations. The official noted that these solutions can form the basis of a modern financial infrastructure, especially for countries that are in the stage of active development.

Saqib recently became the head of the Pakistan Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (PVARA). Previously, he served as an advisor to the prime minister on cryptocurrencies and blockchain. His main task is to transform the country’s vast, unregulated crypto market into a safe and transparent environment that is attractive to investors.

He also noted that Pakistan has serious potential for creating a developed crypto sphere. More than 70% of the population is young people under the age of 30, making the country a natural participant in the global digital transformation. Saqib cited El Salvador as an example, stating:

“If El Salvador can achieve this with 6 million people, just think about what Pakistan could accomplish with a population 40 times larger and one of the fastest-growing digital sectors in Asia.”

Experts agreed with the minister’s statement, emphasizing that Pakistan is indeed one of the fastest-growing cryptocurrency markets in the world. This is also facilitated by the fact that the country has risen six positions and ranks third in the Chainalysis Global Cryptocurrency Adoption Index for 2025.

In October, Pakistani Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and Stacks founder Muneeb Ali held talks on cooperation in the field of crypto technology and blockchain.