In a groundbreaking move to modernize its economy and tech landscape, Pakistan has officially launched its first strategic Bitcoin reserve. The announcement was made by Bilal bin Saqib, crypto advisor to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during his address at the Bitcoin Vegas 2025 conference.
Speaking to a global audience, Bilal emphasized Pakistan’s youthful and digitally active population. “Our youth are both online and on-chain. With over 40 million crypto wallets and an average age of just 23, Pakistan is being seen for its potential rather than its history,” he stated.
Read more: Pakistan Powers Ahead With 2,000 MW Allocation for Bitcoin Mining and AI Data Centres
Pakistan’s thriving freelancing sector, ranked among the most vibrant in the world, further solidifies its standing in the digital economy. To support this transformation, the government has launched a national Bitcoin wallet and allocated 2,000 megawatts of electricity specifically for cryptocurrency mining and artificial intelligence data centers. These initiatives aim to attract independent crypto miners, tech firms, and international blockchain enterprises to invest and grow in Pakistan.
A pivotal part of the announcement was the establishment of the Pakistan Digital Asset Authority (PDAA), a new regulatory body designed to manage the country’s vast informal crypto market, which is estimated to exceed $25 billion. Approved by the Ministry of Finance on May 21, the PDAA will oversee activities involving crypto exchanges, wallets, stablecoins, and decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms. It will also support the tokenisation of government assets and national debt, ensuring adherence to global financial regulations, including those of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
Bilal bin Saqib described the PDAA as a vital measure to safeguard investors and formalize Pakistan’s participation in the global digital economy. He also extended an invitation to international stakeholders, urging them to invest in the country’s growing tech infrastructure.
The announcement drew significant attention, with notable attendees including U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Donald Trump’s sons, Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr., who were acknowledged for their roles in helping ease geopolitical tensions between Pakistan and India.
What is the Pakistan Digital Asset Authority (PDAA)?
The Pakistan Digital Asset Authority is a newly created governing body focused on overseeing the digital asset sector in Pakistan. Its primary goal is to regulate the previously informal crypto market, provide a secure framework for investors, and bring digital finance operations in line with international compliance standards like those of the FATF. The authority will also encourage innovation by enabling the tokenisation of national assets and public debt, contributing to the responsible advancement of Pakistan’s digital finance ecosystem.
