Pakistan Pushes Forward with Cryptocurrency Regulation to Boost Digital Economy

Pakistan is taking bold steps toward establishing a comprehensive framework for cryptocurrency regulation, aiming to boost its digital economy and attract global investment.

This decision marks a pivotal change in the government’s approach to digital assets.

Currently, an estimated 15 to 20 million Pakistanis, or roughly 8% of the population, are active in the cryptocurrency space. Bilal bin Saqib, the CEO of the Pakistan Crypto Council, shared his vision in an interview, emphasizing that Pakistan’s young and tech-savvy population is ready to lead the charge in blockchain innovation. With over 60% of Pakistan’s population under 30, the country is positioning itself to become a hub for digital finance.

This shift in policy comes shortly after Saqib’s appointment as Chief Advisor to the Finance Minister in early 2025, where he has been helping the government leverage artificial intelligence to enhance public sector efficiency.

The Pakistan Crypto Council, formed in March 2025, is at the forefront of developing a regulatory framework aimed at integrating cryptocurrency into the formal economy. The council, led by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, will focus on ensuring responsible crypto adoption while aligning with international standards.

After years of hesitancy, the Pakistani government is now pursuing a pragmatic approach, balancing anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) concerns with efforts to create a secure and thriving crypto market. The country’s efforts come as Pakistan moves away from previous opposition to crypto, instead fostering a regulatory environment conducive to innovation.

In terms of adoption, Pakistan is already a significant player, ranking ninth globally in the “2024 Global Adoption Index” by Chainalysis. With over $30 billion in remittances processed through cryptocurrencies, the nation is becoming a key market in the crypto space, setting the stage for future growth in this sector.