Government of Pakistan Introduces Bitcoin Reserve During 2025 BTC Forum
In a significant move for the global cryptocurrency landscape, Pakistan has officially established a government-led strategic Bitcoin reserve. This announcement was made at the Bitcoin 2025 Conference by Bilal Bin Saqib, CEO of the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC).
The strategic Bitcoin reserve, intended to be a long-term holding, carries a firm commitment never to sell the Bitcoin assets. Alongside this, Pakistan plans to invest heavily in Bitcoin mining and AI data centers, leveraging around 2,000 megawatts of power. The government's aim is to use blockchain technology for government efficiency and the tokenization of illiquid assets.
Pakistan's regulatory policies have accelerated efforts to integrate cryptocurrencies into its financial system. In March 2025, the Pakistan Crypto Council was established to create a legal framework for cryptocurrency trading aimed at attracting international investment. April 2025 saw the introduction of Pakistan’s first policy framework for regulating digital currencies, aligning it with international compliance standards such as the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
Recently, the government approved the creation of the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA), a dedicated regulatory agency to oversee blockchain-based financial infrastructure.
Bilal Bin Saqib, who was appointed as the Prime Minister’s special assistant on blockchain and cryptocurrency with minister of state status, has played a central role in these developments. He has presented strategies for cryptocurrency use and regulation and emphasized Pakistan’s ambition to lead the Global South in digital asset adoption, innovation, and inclusive economic growth.
The creation of a strategic Bitcoin reserve and the formation of the Crypto Council are part of the government's transformation in its approach to cryptocurrencies. This shift is marked by the introduction of regulatory reforms and the recognition of cryptocurrencies as legal tender, signaling a significant change in Pakistan's stance on digital finance.
The move towards embracing cryptocurrencies is a crucial step in the government's efforts to establish a transparent, future-ready financial ecosystem that attracts investment, empowers the youth, and positions Pakistan as a leader in emerging technologies. The government's change in stance was influenced by various factors, including the U.S. presidential elections and concerns over anti-money laundering compliance and obligations to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb stated that this move marks the beginning of a new digital chapter for Pakistan's economy. The strategic Bitcoin reserve and the evolving regulatory framework are expected to contribute significantly to Pakistan's economic development and its position in the global cryptocurrency market.
References:
- Pakistan Today
- The Express Tribune
- Dawn
- Reuters
- Bloomberg
The strategic Bitcoin reserve, a long-term holding created by Pakistan's government, indicates a shift towards embracing cryptocurrencies as part of the nation's economic strategy. This reserves, along with the planned investments in Bitcoin mining and AI data centers, signifies Pakistan's embrace of technology in finance and business.
The government's move to create a Bitcoin reserve and establish the Pakistan Crypto Council is also a sign of their efforts to leverage blockchain technology for government efficiency, tokenization of illiquid assets, and attracting international investment. These developments are in line with Pakistan's ambition to lead the Global South in digital asset adoption, innovation, and inclusive economic growth, as reported in reputable finance and technology magazines, including Pakistan Today, The Express Tribune, Dawn, Reuters, and Bloomberg.
