Pakistan has officially announced the establishment of a government-led Bitcoin strategic reserve plan, marking a significant shift in the country's stance on cryptocurrencies. Historically, the Pakistani government has been opposed to digital assets, but this announcement highlights its recognition and proactive embrace of cryptocurrencies.
The news was revealed by Bilal Bin Saqib, the chairman of the Pakistan National Cryptocurrency Committee and special assistant on blockchain and cryptocurrencies, at the Bitcoin 2025 conference held in Las Vegas on May 28, 2025.
Saqib stated, "Today is a historic day, as the Pakistani government has decided to establish its own Bitcoin strategic reserve. We are especially grateful for the inspiration and support from the United States." This move is one of the most significant policy shifts in recent years for Pakistan, breaking away from the previous steadfast stance of never legalizing digital assets.
Pakistan's Bitcoin reserve plan was influenced by the Trump administration's crypto-friendly policies in the US, which also established a strategic Bitcoin reserve, becoming a pioneer in global cryptocurrency regulation and application.
Accelerating the Construction of a Comprehensive Crypto Ecosystem
Since the establishment of the National Cryptocurrency Committee in early 2025, Pakistan has been rapidly advancing its digital asset regulatory framework. The committee has promoted several important initiatives, including dedicating 2000 megawatts of surplus electricity resources specifically for Bitcoin mining and high-performance computing, demonstrating its strategic determination to become a global mining powerhouse.
Binance co-founder Changpeng Zhao joined the committee as an advisor in April this year, helping to formulate more comprehensive regulations and infrastructure development, and promoting the widespread application of digital assets in Pakistan.
New Digital Asset Regulatory Authority Established
To ensure the regulated development of the cryptocurrency industry, the Pakistani Ministry of Finance has established a dedicated Digital Asset Management Bureau responsible for platform licensing and regulatory work. The establishment of this agency reflects Pakistan's commitment to building a systematic and professional regulatory system, distinguishing it from the more temporary regulatory measures of other countries.
Joining the Ranks of Global Bitcoin Reserve Countries
Pakistan's strategic reserve plan aligns with the global trend of more countries incorporating Bitcoin into their official reserves. Following El Salvador, which became the first country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender, several countries have begun exploring the possibility of Bitcoin strategic reserves. Pakistan's public acknowledgment of the US's guiding role reflects the influence of the US in global cryptocurrency policy.
Significant Economic Strategic Importance
For Pakistan, which has always faced currency fluctuations and inflationary pressures, the Bitcoin strategic reserve can serve as an important financial hedging tool. Rich energy resources, especially renewable energy and surplus electricity, provide strong support for its development of Bitcoin mining and reserves.
Currently, many global enterprises and sovereign institutions are also accelerating their embrace of digital assets, promoting the diversification of corporate financial structures. Pakistan's policy shift is not only an innovative attempt at the national level but also provides valuable lessons for other emerging market countries.
The success of this strategic reserve could lead more developing countries to follow suit, making Pakistan a significant case study and focal point in the global adoption of sovereign cryptocurrencies.
