Key Takeaways
- Diplomats from the US and Pakistan held discussions at the White House on integrating Bitcoin into financial networks.
- The meeting between the two countries comes after Pakistan announced its Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.
- Pakistan’s Minister of State in charge of blockchain and cryptocurrency, Saqib, envisions Pakistan as the “leader in the Global South for Digital Assets.”
Pakistan’s Minister of State in charge of blockchain and crypto, Bilal bin Saqib, has held a high-level meeting with Bo Hines, the executive director of the Trump Digital Assets Council, to discuss enhanced cooperation between Pakistan and the US in the rapidly evolving domain of cryptocurrencies.
According to media reports, the high-level meeting took place at the White House, where delegates from both the Pakistani and US sides engaged in an in-depth dialogue on key areas, including Bitcoin, crypto mining, decentralized infrastructure, and digital finance frameworks.
Discussed Strategies for Digital Assets
During the meeting, it was reported that Saqib highlighted Pakistan’s strategic ambitions, saying that his country was determined to lead the Global South in the digital assets sector. Saqib said:
“Pakistan is laying the groundwork for a practical and forward-looking framework that includes the development of a strategic Bitcoin reserve, designated crypto mining zones, and AI data infrastructure.”
According to the press release, diplomats from both countries discussed strategies for digital assets, in addition to the integration of Bitcoin into broader financial frameworks. US President Donald Trump appointed Bo Hines to lead the strategy for reshaping national policies on digital asset innovation and regulation, collaborating with Council Chair David Sacks to position the US as a leader in cryptocurrency initiatives.
The First Asian Nations to Adopt Bitcoin
The discussion between Pakistan and the US comes hot on the heels of Pakistan’s announcement of its Strategic Bitcoin Reserve (SBR) at the Bitcoin 2025 Conference in Las Vegas. The meeting also marks a significant step for Pakistan to become one of the first Asian nations to adopt Bitcoin as part of its sovereign asset strategy, signaling a new era for digital finance in the region. Saqib further added:
“I envision Pakistan to be a leader in the Global South for Digital Assets […] from launching our Strategic Bitcoin Reserve to unlocking national infrastructure for crypto mining and an AI data zone, Pakistan is building a real framework for digital asset adoption and economic modernization.”
The Pakistani minister emphasized the importance of fostering international cooperation to modernize digital economies, stating:
“This is not just about catching up — it’s about positioning Pakistan as a global innovator in digital finance.”
Conclusion
Pakistan has recently adopted an ambitious cryptocurrency strategy that includes allocating over 2,000 MW of electricity to Bitcoin mining and A-driven data zones. Additionally, the country has also announced plans to create a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve similar to the one the United States is envisioning under President Donald Trump. As the government works towards adopting the evolving digital asset landscape, only time will tell whether the newly found cooperation between Pakistan and the US will bear fruit and help in reshaping the future of the global digital asset economy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the status of cryptocurrency in Pakistan?
Pakistan’s stance on cryptocurrency remains legally rigid despite growing government-level engagement with digital assets. The State Bank of Pakistan and the Ministry of Finance informed a national assembly panel that all crypto transactions remain banned.
How many people use crypto in Pakistan?
It is estimated that over 9.0 million people, 4.1% of Pakistan’s total population, currently own cryptocurrency.
Is crypto trading legal in Pakistan in 2025?
A nationwide ban on cryptocurrency remains in place. However, the country is making plans to implement the necessary regulatory changes to legalize the holding and trading of cryptocurrencies.
