Pakistan has taken a bold step into the digital future by announcing the establishment of a strategic Bitcoin reserve. Bilal Bin Saqib, the head of Pakistan’s Crypto Council, made this announcement on May 28 at the Bitcoin 2025 conference in Las Vegas, Nevada. This move signals a significant shift in the country’s stance towards cryptocurrencies, which were once viewed with skepticism within its borders.
A New Dawn for Pakistan’s Crypto Landscape
Speaking to an enthusiastic crowd, Saqib highlighted the inspiration drawn from the United States’ recent regulatory changes under the previous Trump administration. “Today is a very historic day,” he declared. “Today, I announce the Pakistani government is setting up its own government-led Bitcoin Strategic Reserve, and we want to thank the United States of America again because we were inspired by them.” This announcement underscores Pakistan’s commitment to embracing digital currency and reflects a broader global trend of nations adopting pro-crypto policies. This follows a pattern of institutional adoption, which we detailed in Metaplanet’s strategy to grow its Bitcoin reserve.
The decision to create a Bitcoin reserve marks a departure from Pakistan’s earlier crypto policy, which was notably restrictive. This pivot aligns with the establishment of Pakistan’s National Crypto Council back in February 2025, an initiative aimed at crafting a comprehensive regulatory framework and attracting foreign investment.
Harnessing Energy for the Crypto Revolution
The strategic reserve isn’t an isolated initiative. In a bid to support this digital transformation, Pakistan has allocated a substantial 2,000 megawatts of excess energy for Bitcoin mining and high-performance computing data centers. This move not only supports the cryptocurrency infrastructure but also addresses excess energy production, turning potential waste into a national asset.
The National Crypto Council proposed several initiatives to leverage renewable energy for Bitcoin mining activities. This innovative approach could place Pakistan at the forefront of sustainable crypto mining practices, setting a precedent for other countries grappling with energy surplus and digital finance integration.
A Collaborative Effort with Global Insights
Adding heft to Pakistan’s crypto ambitions, Binance co-founder Changpeng Zhao joined the Council as an advisor in April 2025. His expertise in crypto regulations, blockchain infrastructure, and digital asset adoption is expected to guide Pakistan’s burgeoning crypto sector. Additionally, Pakistan is looking to collaborate with Trump’s World Liberty Financial (WLFI), a decentralized finance protocol, which has already signed a letter of intent to assist the country in tokenizing real-world assets and experimenting with cutting-edge crypto products. For a deeper dive into similar strategic moves, see Metaplanet’s plans to raise $250M for Bitcoin strategy.
To further solidify its regulatory framework, Pakistan’s Ministry of Finance has commissioned the establishment of a new agency, the Digital Asset Authority. This body will regulate crypto platforms and issue licenses to digital asset providers, ensuring a robust oversight mechanism for the digital currency market.
Looking Ahead: Opportunities and Challenges
The path forward is not without its challenges. While Pakistan’s move is seen as a positive step by many in the crypto community, it raises questions about the sustainability of such rapid policy shifts and the potential economic impact. The geopolitical implications of aligning closely with US-inspired crypto policies could also attract scrutiny from regional powers wary of Pakistan’s growing digital influence.
This strategic pivot could potentially position Pakistan as a leader in the crypto world, especially if it successfully implements these initiatives. However, the success of these ambitious projects will hinge on the nation’s ability to navigate the complex landscape of international regulations and domestic economic priorities.
As the world watches, Pakistan’s foray into the world of cryptocurrency could chart a new course not only for its own economy but also for neighboring countries contemplating similar strategies. The coming months will reveal whether this bold strategy can sustain its momentum and bring about the transformative economic benefits that many anticipate.
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Steve Gregory is a lawyer in the United States who specializes in licensing for cryptocurrency companies and products. Steve began his career as an attorney in 2015 but made the switch to working in cryptocurrency full time shortly after joining the original team at Gemini Trust Company, an early cryptocurrency exchange based in New York City. Steve then joined CEX.io and was able to launch their regulated US-based cryptocurrency. Steve then went on to become the CEO at currency.com when he ran for four years and was able to lead currency.com to being fully acquired in 2025.
