Pakistan Moves Toward Crypto Legalization
Pakistan is set to legalize cryptocurrency in an effort to attract international investment and position itself as a blockchain finance leader, according to Pakistan Crypto Council CEO Bilal Bin Saqib.
In a recent interview, Saqib emphasized that Pakistan wants to move beyond regulatory uncertainty and create a business-friendly legal framework for digital assets.
“Pakistan is done sitting on the sidelines; we need regulatory clarity to attract investment.”
The move signals a shift in Pakistan’s stance on digital assets, as the country looks to capitalize on its Web3-native workforce and young population—with 60% of citizens under 30.
💥JUST IN: 🇵🇰 Pakistan to legalise Bitcoin and crypto with new framework to attract foreign investment.
— Bitcoin Archive (@BTC_Archive) March 20, 2025
💥JUST IN: 🇵🇰 Pakistan to legalise Bitcoin and crypto with new framework to attract foreign investment.
— Bitcoin Archive (@BTC_Archive) March 20, 2025
Pakistan Ranks 9th in Global Crypto Adoption
Pakistan has already emerged as a major player in the crypto space, ranking 9th globally in crypto adoption.
- Up to 20 million Pakistanis actively use cryptocurrency.
- Blockchain-based finance could help reduce banking fees on remittances, improving cross-border transactions.
Saqib argues that blockchain adoption could significantly benefit developing economies like Pakistan and Nigeria, allowing them to bypass traditional banking systems and lower transaction fees from 5-9%.
Pakistan and Nigeria are at a pivotal moment where blockchain can redefine financial access for their 450M+ people combined!
— Bilal bin Saqib MBE (@Bilalbinsaqib) March 16, 2025
Nigeria’s rapid crypto adoption (22M+ users) and Pakistan’s growing market show the potential for a shared digital future.
By leveraging blockchain for… https://t.co/VI46iN4wEb
Pakistan and Nigeria are at a pivotal moment where blockchain can redefine financial access for their 450M+ people combined!
— Bilal bin Saqib MBE (@Bilalbinsaqib) March 16, 2025
Nigeria’s rapid crypto adoption (22M+ users) and Pakistan’s growing market show the potential for a shared digital future.
By leveraging blockchain for… https://t.co/VI46iN4wEb
Trump’s Crypto Policies Influence Global Adoption
Saqib credited U.S. President Donald Trump’s pro-crypto stance as a catalyst for global adoption, stating:
“Trump is making crypto a national priority, and every country, including Pakistan, will have to follow suit or risk being left behind.”
Trump has moved to establish a Bitcoin reserve and a government crypto stockpile, pushing digital assets into mainstream financial policy.
What’s Next for Crypto in Pakistan?
Pakistan’s Finance Ministry appointed Bilal Bin Saqib as the CEO of the Pakistan Crypto Council on March 14, signaling a serious commitment to crypto regulation.
“This is just the beginning—Pakistan is open for business.”
As Pakistan rolls out its regulatory framework, the country is expected to:
- Introduce crypto-friendly policies to boost foreign investment.
- Leverage blockchain for trade and remittances, reducing reliance on traditional banking.
- Position itself as a Web3 innovation hub, competing with other emerging crypto economies.
With growing momentum behind crypto adoption, Pakistan is poised to become a major player in the global blockchain economy.