Pakistan has officially entered the global digital finance arena by launching its first government-backed Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, marking a historic milestone in the country’s journey toward blockchain and cryptocurrency adoption.
The announcement was made by Bilal Bin Saqib, Chief Executive Officer of the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC) and newly appointed Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Crypto and Blockchain, with the rank of Minister of State. This bold initiative was unveiled during his keynote address at Bitcoin Vegas 2025 in Las Vegas — a premier crypto event that drew high-profile attendees including U.S. Vice President JD Vance, Eric Trump, and Donald Trump Jr.
Pakistan Establishes National Bitcoin Wallet as Sovereign Digital Asset Reserve
In his keynote speech, Saqib introduced the launch of a National Bitcoin Wallet — a groundbreaking step that signals Pakistan’s long-term commitment to decentralized finance (DeFi). According to Saqib, these assets are already held in state custody and are intended not for speculation, but to demonstrate the government’s belief in the future of digital currencies.
“Pakistan is being reborn as a forward-looking hub of digital innovation — powered by its youth, sharpened by necessity, and led by a new generation of tech statesmen,” said Saqib.
He emphasized his role not just as a government official but as a representative of a digitally native, blockchain-literate generation:
“I’m here as the voice of a generation that is online, on-chain, and unstoppable.”
Major Allocation of Surplus Energy for Bitcoin Mining & AI Data Centers
In a move that highlights Pakistan’s strategic foresight, the government has allocated 2,000 megawatts (MW) of surplus electricity in the first phase of its national plan to power bitcoin mining operations and artificial intelligence (AI) data centers. This energy allocation aims to attract sovereign miners, clean tech investors, and global blockchain innovators.
According to the Finance Division, this initiative is part of a broader national strategy to:
- Monetize excess electricity
- Create high-tech employment opportunities
- Drive billions in foreign direct investment (FDI)
- Generate substantial government revenue through digital infrastructure
Pakistan Digital Assets Authority (PDAA) to Oversee Web3 Growth
Bilal Bin Saqib also announced the formation of the Pakistan Digital Assets Authority (PDAA) — a specialized regulatory body focused on:
- Building a FATF-compliant framework for crypto assets
- Overseeing the licensing of Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs)
- Encouraging innovation in blockchain integration for governance, finance, and land registry
- Enhancing investor protection and fostering Web3 ecosystem development
Crypto Adoption in Pakistan: A Rising Global Force
With over 40 million active crypto wallets and one of the largest freelancer economies globally, Pakistan is rapidly positioning itself as a major player in the global digital economy. Saqib noted that both Bitcoin and Pakistan have suffered from negative media narratives, but stressed that behind the headlines lies a wealth of untapped potential in the form of talent, resilience, and vision.
“If you’re building something real, come build it in Pakistan. Build wallets for the unbanked. Tokenize land. Scale your mission with our youth and unstoppable grit,” Saqib urged the global blockchain community.
Future of Crypto in Pakistan: Strategic Vision for Emerging Markets
The government’s crypto roadmap includes the potential creation of a National Crypto Council, as announced in February. By March, Saqib had been appointed Chief Adviser to the Finance Minister on the PCC, later becoming the council’s CEO.
His responsibilities now include:
- Designing a comprehensive national crypto policy
- Launching government-backed bitcoin mining initiatives
- Integrating blockchain solutions into public infrastructure
Conclusion
Pakistan’s launch of a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and National Bitcoin Wallet underscores a bold new chapter in its financial future. With strong leadership, regulatory clarity, and a digitally empowered youth population, the country is making a compelling case for itself as a rising Web3 hub in South Asia.
Keywords: Pakistan Bitcoin Reserve, Pakistan Crypto Council, Bilal Bin Saqib, National Bitcoin Wallet, Bitcoin Mining Pakistan, Web3 in Pakistan, PDAA, Crypto Regulation Pakistan, Blockchain Pakistan, AI Data Centers Pakistan, Digital Assets Pakistan
