2 weeks Ago By Mariam Zia Khan
Leveraging the transformative potential of digital finance, Pakistan is transitioning from crypto skepticism to proactive regulation, led by the Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb. The government framework is geared towards meeting international standards such as FATF to block illicit flows and to encourage innovation. Given the economic turbulence Pakistan has witnessed in the past years—38% inflation in 2023 and a rupee that depreciated by half against the dollar in five years—creating a conducive crypto ecosystem augurs well for the financial system.
More than 9 million Pakistanis (4% of the population) now own crypto assets, leveraging exchanges such as Binance P2P to avoid high remittance charges and save money. Such mass adoption from the ground level indicates crypto’s potential despite the risks of volatility and security breaches in unregulated markets. Following the prohibition of crypto transactions in 2018, regulators are now working on a framework to strike a balance between innovation and risk management, learning from international models such as El Salvador’s pro-crypto adoption and China’s comprehensive bans and strict anti-crypto stance.
Police official’s house burgled In February 2025, the government launched the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC), an advisory council with a mandate to regulate and integrate blockchain technology and digital assets into its financial ecosystem. A prime function is navigating the conflict between enabling blockchain’s disruptor potential and the need for systemic safeguards—a conundrum well known to emerging economies. The PCC seeks to build policy, boost security, and make Pakistan a regional blockchain center.
To this end, the PCC has brought in notable names from the global crypto space. Bilal Bin Saqib joined as Chief Advisor, who is a Forbes 30 Under 30 recipient and NHS awardee, and brings expertise in Web3 and AI integration, particularly in public service delivery. A key success has been the recent appointment of Binance creator Changpeng “CZ” Zhao as a strategic advisor.
CZ’s responsibility is to lead regulatory frameworks and infrastructure development, with an emphasis on investor protections and anti-money laundering procedures. These are welcome steps building a robust ecosystem that is needed to capitalize on the crypto boom worldwide. Labour colonies’ issues to be resolved soon: PA speaker Further, the State Bank is exploring the potential of a central bank digital currency (CBDC)—like China’s digital yuan—as a measure to enhance financial stability and reduce systemic risks.
As of January 2024, 130 countries, including the United States, are considering introducing their own CBDCs to compete with the cryptocurrency surge. Blockchain startups like Karachi’s Bazaar Technologies are innovating in supply chain transparency, while platforms such as BitPay enable small businesses to slash transaction fees and access global markets. Such initiatives align with crypto’s promise to democratize finance—a vision driving Pakistan’s regulatory pivot.
With 75% of crypto users aged 18–34, and a broader youth bulge in the country, it’s a step in the right direction. Experts see Pakistan’s regulatory change as a possible model for the world’s emerging economies. Blockchain adoption across healthcare, supply chains, and governance may contribute exponentially to the GDP, though success relies on finding a balance between openness, oversight and financial literacy.
108-kanal state land retrieved Challenges remain such as concerns about illegal activities, terror financing risks, environmental impact, and safeguarding consumers/investors. A robust cybersecurity network and strong safeguards are needed along with financial literacy campaigns to avert any misuse and exploitation. Further, overregulation poses its own threat and could be counterproductive limiting financial inclusion.
As Pakistan traverses this new digital territory, its transition from economic vulnerability to crypto integration marks a significant policy evolution. The pace at which AI and blockchain technologies are fast overtaking the global economy, the crypto era needs strategic adoption which the Finance Minister is pioneering and must be lauded for. The path ahead may be complex – but the opportunity is undeniable.
Mariam Zia Khan The writer is a development sector professional who is from Azad Jammu & Kashmir. Minister visits afternoon schools, inspects facilities Tags: pakistan crypto.
