Minister of State for Crypto and Blockchain, Bilal Bin Saqib, has said that Pakistan’s evolving crypto diplomacy is reshaping its role in the global digital economy, positioning the country as a builder rather than merely a recipient of innovation.
In a recent statement, the minister highlighted the country’s growing presence in the blockchain and cryptocurrency space, describing it as a “hidden treasure” whose full potential will soon be recognised on the world stage.
“Pakistan is no longer just a participant. We are actively shaping the global crypto narrative,” Saqib said, adding that “our nation has always had the talent—now we are building the platforms.”
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He pointed to the establishment of the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA) as a landmark development, calling it a “significant milestone” for Pakistan’s digital finance landscape. The authority is expected to play a central role in regulating and overseeing virtual assets, creating a transparent and secure environment for innovation and investment.
Saqib also announced that Pakistan had formally joined the global crypto economy by establishing a Bitcoin Strategic Reserve. The move aligns Pakistan with a growing number of countries exploring cryptocurrencies as part of their economic strategies.
“Our strategic Bitcoin reserve shows that we’re not just talking about the future—we are investing in it,” he said, stressing that Pakistan is committed to responsible and forward-thinking crypto engagement.
He further noted that Pakistan’s crypto policy has been “reshaped with a global vision,” adding that the shift is already opening new doors for international economic development and positioning the country as a credible player in blockchain and virtual assets.
The country’s efforts have not gone unnoticed on the international stage. British publication Financial Times recently acknowledged Pakistan’s rapid progress in the cryptocurrency space, recognising its growing ambition and increasingly strategic posture.
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“This recognition reflects a broader trend,” Saqib noted. “We are finally earning our place at the table of global innovation—not as observers, but as contributors.”
The minister reaffirmed that Pakistan would continue to build on this momentum by encouraging responsible adoption, developing talent in blockchain technologies, and creating a strong regulatory framework that meets international standards.
Earlier in May this year, Pakistan launched its first government-backed Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, marking a dramatic shift in its stance on cryptocurrencies.
The move places Pakistan among a growing list of countries exploring the use of digital assets for financial resilience and modernization. What makes the development even more notable is that Pakistan established its reserve just three months after the United States announced a similar initiative whereas India is still merely making promises about holding discussions on crypto.
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Meanwhile, Pakistan is also examining the prospects of adding Bitcoin to its official reserves. Countries pursuing similar paths view Bitcoin as a means of modernising their financial systems and as a hedge against economic insecurity.
The trend of national Bitcoin reserves is gaining momentum globally. In addition to Switzerland and Pakistan, countries such as El Salvador have already legalised Bitcoin as legal tender. Others, including Brazil and Argentina, are assessing its potential as a reserve asset. These trends, Bilal said, reflect a broader global acceptance of cryptocurrencies.
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