In a surprising turn of events, Pakistan has announced the establishment of its first government-backed Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. This initiative, unveiled by Bilal Bin Saqib, CEO of the Pakistan Crypto Council and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Blockchain and Crypto, marks a significant shift in the country’s approach to digital assets.(mint, Wikipedia)
🇵🇰 A New Direction in Digital Finance
On May 28, 2025, at the Bitcoin 2025 conference in Las Vegas, Bilal Bin Saqib declared Pakistan’s intention to hold Bitcoin in a national wallet, emphasizing a long-term commitment without plans to sell the assets. This move is part of a broader strategy to integrate digital assets into Pakistan’s financial framework, inspired by similar initiatives in the United States. (The Times of India)
⚡ Energy Allocation for Crypto and AI
To support this digital transformation, the Pakistani government has allocated 2,000 megawatts of surplus electricity for Bitcoin mining and artificial intelligence data centers. This allocation aims to attract global tech firms and investors, leveraging the country’s energy resources to foster innovation and economic growth. (Dawn)
🏛️ Establishment of the Pakistan Crypto Council
The Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC), formed in March 2025, serves as the regulatory body overseeing the country’s blockchain and digital asset initiatives. Under the leadership of Bilal Bin Saqib, the PCC is tasked with developing a comprehensive, FATF-compliant regulatory framework for digital assets, launching Bitcoin mining initiatives, and overseeing blockchain integration in governance and finance. (Wikipedia, Dawn)
⚠️ Regulatory Contradictions and Challenges
Despite these progressive steps, contradictions within Pakistan’s regulatory environment have surfaced. Senior officials from the State Bank of Pakistan and the Ministry of Finance have reiterated that cryptocurrency transactions remain illegal under current laws. This discrepancy between the government’s strategic initiatives and existing regulations has led to confusion and criticism, highlighting the need for a cohesive policy framework. (The Times of India)
🌐 International Implications and Future Outlook
Pakistan’s move to establish a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve positions it among a growing list of countries exploring digital assets as part of their national financial strategies. While this initiative could attract foreign investment and technological partnerships, the success of such endeavors hinges on resolving internal regulatory inconsistencies and establishing clear, supportive policies for cryptocurrency adoption.
As Pakistan navigates this complex landscape, the establishment of its Strategic Bitcoin Reserve could mark a pivotal moment in its economic and technological development, provided that regulatory clarity and infrastructure support are effectively addressed.
