ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has officially announced the creation of its first government-backed Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, marking a groundbreaking shift in national policy and positioning the country as an emerging leader in decentralized finance.
The announcement was made by Bilal Bin Saqib, the newly appointed Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Blockchain and Cryptocurrency, during a keynote address at Bitcoin Vegas 2025. Speaking to a high-profile audience that included U.S. Vice President JD Vance, Eric Trump, and Donald Trump Jr., Bilal declared that the initiative represents more than just economic strategy — it’s a rebranding of Pakistan.
“This is not just about policy,” he said. “It’s about redefining Pakistan’s global identity. We are no longer trapped by the narratives of the past — we are stepping forward as a digitally empowered, youth-driven nation.”
As Minister for Crypto & Blockchain and CEO of the Pakistan Crypto Council, Bilal painted a bold vision: a Pakistan defined by innovation, resilience, and the determination of its youth. At 34, he is already recognized as a rising leader in the global crypto landscape, representing a country with over 40 million crypto wallets, a median age of 23, and one of the world’s most active freelancer economies.
Among the major announcements was the launch of a national Bitcoin wallet, with digital assets held as sovereign reserves—not for trade or speculation, but to reflect Pakistan’s long-term faith in decentralized finance.
Bilal also announced:
- The allocation of 2,000 megawatts of surplus electricity in Phase 1 for Bitcoin mining and AI data centers.
- The upcoming establishment of the Pakistan Digital Assets Authority (PDAA), a new regulatory body aimed at supporting builders, protecting investors, and establishing frameworks for digital finance.
- An invitation to global crypto innovators to build in Pakistan, with opportunities to scale projects in areas like financial inclusion, land tokenization, and AI-powered infrastructure.
He expressed gratitude to former U.S. President Donald Trump for his efforts in easing recent tensions between India and Pakistan and for advocating global crypto adoption.
“Both Pakistan and Bitcoin have been misunderstood,” Bilal said. “But beneath the headlines lies a story of talent, ambition, and potential.”
With this landmark move, Bilal Bin Saqib delivered more than just a speech — he offered a new blueprint for emerging markets in Web3, placing Pakistan firmly on the map as a tech-forward, youth-led, and future-focused nation ready to lead in the digital economy.
“If you’re building the future,” he concluded, “come build it in Pakistan.”
