LAS VEGAS (The Thursday Times) — Pakistan has formally unveiled its first government-led Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, marking a significant shift in its digital policy as the country looks to position itself as a leader in emerging financial technologies.
The announcement was made by Bilal Bin Saqib, Chief Executive Officer of the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC) and recently appointed Special Assistant to the Prime Minister for Crypto and Blockchain, holding the status of a Minister of State. Saqib, who is currently touring the United States to attract foreign investment in Pakistan’s crypto and blockchain sectors, revealed the development during a keynote address at Bitcoin Vegas 2025 in Las Vegas.
Speaking before an audience that included United States Vice President JD Vance, Eric Trump, and Donald Trump Jr., Saqib declared that Pakistan was undergoing a digital renaissance.
“Pakistan is no longer defined by its past. It is being reborn as a forward-looking hub of digital innovation, powered by its youth, sharpened by necessity, and led by a new generation of tech statesmen,” he stated. “I am not just here as a minister. I am here as the voice of a generation — a generation that is online, on-chain, and unstoppable.”
Saqib announced the launch of a national bitcoin wallet containing digital assets already in state custody. According to his office, the reserve will not be used for sale or speculative activity, but will instead serve as a sovereign store of value to demonstrate the government’s long-term commitment to decentralised finance.
The initiative is part of a wider national strategy to integrate blockchain technology across sectors and to establish Pakistan as a key player in the digital economy. The government has allocated 2,000 megawatts of surplus electricity in the first phase of the plan to power bitcoin mining operations and AI data centres. Officials believe the move could attract sovereign miners, international tech firms, and renewable energy investors.
In his remarks, Saqib expressed gratitude to Donald Trump for his role as a mediator during the recent India-Pakistan conflict and for his continued support for global crypto adoption.
A statement issued by the Pakistan Crypto Council noted that the country currently has more than 40 million crypto wallets and hosts one of the world’s largest and most active freelancer communities. The council also revealed that Saqib is spearheading the establishment of the Pakistan Digital Assets Authority (PDAA), a new regulatory body designed to support developers, protect investors, and standardise the digital finance landscape.
“Both Pakistan and bitcoin have suffered from bad PR,” Saqib told the audience. “But if you look past the headlines, you’ll see something else: talent, resilience, and vision.”
Saqib invited international blockchain entrepreneurs to invest in the country, encouraging them to “build wallets for the unbanked,” “tokenise land,” and “scale your mission with our youth and our unstoppable grit.”
The keynote concluded with a presentation of what his office described as a “blueprint for the future of emerging markets in Web3,” portraying Pakistan as a youthful, tech-savvy nation prepared to lead in decentralised technologies.
The announcement comes on the heels of the government’s February decision to consider the creation of a National Crypto Council to align Pakistan with global developments in digital currency. Saqib was initially appointed as chief adviser to the Finance Minister on crypto matters and later made CEO of the council.
According to a press release from the Finance Division, Saqib will be responsible for developing a FATF-compliant regulatory framework, launching bitcoin mining programmes, and overseeing the application of blockchain technology in governance, finance, and land management.
He will also supervise the licensing and regulation of virtual asset service providers (VASPs) and play a central role in advancing investor protection and the growth of Pakistan’s Web3 ecosystem.
The allocation of 2,000 megawatts of electricity is being positioned as a national initiative to monetise excess energy, create high-value jobs, and attract billions of dollars in foreign direct investment. The government also expects to generate substantial state revenue through this high-tech transition.
As Pakistan looks to harness the global momentum surrounding decentralised finance and blockchain innovation, the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve stands as a bold signal of its ambitions on the world stage.