Pakistan is taking a proactive approach to crypto regulation, aiming to position itself as a leader in blockchain finance and attract foreign investment.
Why Pakistan is Prioritizing Crypto Regulation
Pakistan is no longer content with observing from the sidelines. The government is actively working on a legal framework for cryptocurrency, signaling its intent to provide regulatory clarity and encourage business growth in the sector.
Bilal Bin Saqib, CEO of the Pakistan Crypto Council and newly appointed chief adviser to Pakistan’s finance minister for crypto management, said:
Pakistan is done sitting on the sidelines; we want to have regulatory clarity; we need to have a legal framework that is pro-business.
The country sees crypto as a major economic opportunity, especially given its young, tech-savvy population, with 60% of Pakistanis under the age of 30. Saqib highlighted that Pakistan already has a Web3-native workforce ready to drive blockchain innovation, making it an attractive destination for global crypto firms.
Spoke to Bloomberg this morning 👇🏻
— Bilal bin Saqib MBE (@Bilalbinsaqib) March 20, 2025
Our message is clear - Pakistan is done sitting on the sidelines! We want Pakistan as the leader in blockchain-powered finance. Pakistan is a low-cost high-growth market with 60% of the population under 30. We have a web3 native workforce ready… pic.twitter.com/VwhGGh7QWg
According to Chainalysis, Pakistan ranked ninth in global crypto adoption last year, and Saqib estimates that there are between 15 to 20 million Pakistani crypto users. This demonstrates a strong domestic market that could benefit from clearer regulations and institutional backing.
Trump’s Influence on Global Crypto Adoption
Saqib believes that the growing global acceptance of crypto, including moves by major economies like the United States, is pushing developing nations like Pakistan and Nigeria to accelerate adoption.
He called former U.S. President Donald Trump “the biggest bullish catalyst for crypto in history,” referencing his administration’s recent efforts to create a Bitcoin reserve and utilize forfeited digital assets.
Saqib warned that countries that fail to embrace crypto risk falling behind, stating, “Trump is making crypto a national priority, and every country, including Pakistan, will have to follow suit or be left behind.”
Honoured to lead as CEO of the Pakistan Crypto Council, working with our esteemed board and Chairman, the Finance Minister, at a defining moment for our nation.
— Bilal bin Saqib MBE (@Bilalbinsaqib) March 15, 2025
With Pakistan ranking in the top 10 for global crypto adoption and an estimated 25M+ active users, alongside a $30B+… https://t.co/iFRlHXOtXU pic.twitter.com/laj0arzpN9
For developing nations like Pakistan and Nigeria, crypto and blockchain technology present a unique opportunity. Remittances and international trade are key economic drivers for these countries, and crypto adoption could reduce reliance on traditional banking systems, lower transaction fees (currently between 5-9%), and improve cross-border payment networks.
Saqib believes that by leveraging blockchain for financial transactions, Pakistan could modernize its economy and attract international blockchain firms looking for expansion opportunities.
The country’s crypto regulatory framework is still in its early stages, but Saqib insists that Pakistan is open for business and eager to collaborate with international blockchain companies and investors.
With a rapidly growing user base, increasing institutional interest, and a government now focused on crypto-friendly policies, Pakistan could soon emerge as a major player in blockchain-powered finance.

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