Pakistan Reiterates Commitment to Crypto Regulation
Pakistan is making its strongest declaration yet: crypto regulation is no longer optional - it’s a national priority. This became clear during a high-level meeting between the government and top Binance executives, including CEO Richard Teng, as Islamabad moves to build a transparent, secure digital-asset framework for one of the world’s fastest-growing crypto markets.
Officials emphasized that Pakistan’s approach is shifting from fragmented oversight to a structured ecosystem that supports innovation, safeguards investors, and aligns digital finance with the country’s long-term economic goals. The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir, and key regulatory leaders - underlining just how seriously Islamabad is now taking crypto.
Government Signals Full-Scale Crypto Strategy
The session was led by Bilal Bin Saqib, Chairman of the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA). He outlined the country’s latest progress, stating that Pakistan intends to create clear rules for digital-asset activity, tighten security measures, and restore public confidence after years of uncertainty.
Bin Saqib reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to promoting responsible innovation, noting that digital finance is now part of a broader national transformation strategy. He also revealed that Pakistan is actively exploring its own stablecoin, a detail he previously shared during Binance Blockchain Week, describing it as a crucial step toward integrating crypto into the national economy.
CBDC Plans and Bitcoin Treasury Signal New Direction
Pakistan is also evaluating the development of a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) - a signal that the country wants more direct control over digital money flows. This comes shortly after Pakistan announced its first Strategic Bitcoin Reserve earlier this year in Las Vegas, a move that surprised global observers and hinted at a major policy shift.
While details remain limited, officials clarified that the government intends to lead the initiative, presenting crypto as part of Pakistan’s modernization and economic resilience efforts.
A Global Crypto Powerhouse - Without Regulation (Yet)
Despite lacking a formal regulatory framework, Pakistan is already an international crypto heavyweight. According to Chainalysis’ 2025 Global Crypto Adoption Index, the country ranks:
- #3 worldwide in overall adoption
- #2 in retail crypto activity
- #3 in centralized-exchange usage
Estimates suggest 20–40 million Pakistanis may hold crypto - though the exact number is unknown due to the absence of national studies. This massive user base has pushed regulators to accelerate policy creation.
Momentum Meets Risk: The Road Ahead
Pakistan’s youth-driven adoption has created enormous economic potential - but also significant risk. Experts warn that scams, volatility, and low public awareness continue to threaten inexperienced investors.
Regulators are therefore under pressure to strike the right balance: encouraging innovation while protecting citizens from abuse. Bin Saqib closed with optimism, stating that Pakistan’s future in crypto will depend on smart regulation, investor protection, and long-term market stability - all pillars the government says it is now committed to building.
