Pakistan has announced a significant move toward embracing cryptocurrencies with plans to establish a government-led Bitcoin Strategic Reserve, according to Minister of State for Finance Bilal Bin Saqib. The announcement was made during the bitcoin2025 conference held in Las Vegas on Wednesday, signaling Pakistan’s intent to become a notable player in the digital asset space.
While addressing the conference, Bilal Bin Saqib revealed that the Pakistani government is setting up its own Bitcoin Strategic Reserve, marking a pioneering step in the country’s approach to cryptocurrency. The minister explained that the government is inspired by the United States’ pro-crypto regulatory policies and aims to follow a similar path in fostering a supportive environment for digital assets in Pakistan. This initiative represents a broader strategic vision to integrate decentralized finance into Pakistan’s financial landscape.
Alongside the reserve, the government plans to establish a national Bitcoin wallet. This wallet will hold digital assets that are already in state custody but, importantly, these Bitcoins are not intended for sale or speculative purposes. Instead, they will serve as a sovereign reserve, symbolizing the government’s long-term commitment and belief in the potential of decentralized finance and blockchain technology. The minister emphasized that the Bitcoins held in this wallet will never be sold, dispelling any notions that the government plans to engage in short-term trading or hype-driven activities.
In his remarks, Bilal Bin Saqib also expressed gratitude toward former U.S. President Donald Trump, acknowledging his role as a peacemaker in recent India-Pakistan tensions and his support for cryptocurrency adoption globally. This acknowledgment reflects the geopolitical context surrounding Pakistan’s crypto strategy and the international influences shaping its digital asset policies.
However, while this announcement is groundbreaking, there remain important questions regarding how Pakistan intends to implement this strategic reserve given the current regulatory framework. The country’s central bank has not yet recognized Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies as legal tender. This regulatory ambiguity poses challenges for operationalizing a government-controlled Bitcoin reserve. The minister, who also serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the newly formed Pakistan Crypto Council, did not clarify the specifics of how the reserve will be created or managed within the existing legal framework.
This development comes amid ongoing discussions and efforts within Pakistan to build a robust crypto ecosystem. The government’s formal step toward holding Bitcoin at a sovereign level indicates a growing recognition of the potential economic and technological benefits of blockchain and cryptocurrencies. It also signals a willingness to explore regulatory pathways that balance innovation with oversight.
Pakistan’s announcement aligns with a global trend where governments are increasingly interested in digital assets, either through regulation, central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), or strategic reserves. By setting up a Bitcoin Strategic Reserve, Pakistan is positioning itself as an early adopter in the region, potentially paving the way for broader crypto integration in its financial system.
The success of this initiative will depend heavily on the government’s ability to establish clear regulations, enhance infrastructure, and build public trust in digital currencies. As Pakistan continues to navigate this complex and rapidly evolving landscape, its bold move toward a Bitcoin reserve will be closely watched by both domestic stakeholders and the international crypto community.
