In a significant diplomatic engagement underscoring growing global ties in digital finance, Bilal Bin Saqib, Pakistan’s Minister of State for Crypto and Blockchain, met with New York City Mayor Eric Adams at Gracie Mansion. During the meeting, Mayor Adams made a symbolic remark, saying, “We consider New York to be Lahore,” reflecting the strengthening relationship between these two emerging hubs of innovation and digital asset development.
This meeting marked a crucial step in establishing direct collaboration between the New York Crypto Council and the Pakistan Crypto Council—both government-supported bodies focused on nurturing the responsible growth of the Web3 ecosystem. According to a statement released by Pakistan’s Ministry of Finance, the discussions highlighted the mutual interest in creating knowledge-sharing platforms, capacity-building initiatives, and strategic advisory programs aimed at accelerating blockchain innovation while maintaining regulatory compliance.
Mayor Adams and SAPM Saqib explored ways to address common challenges in fostering digital asset economies across diverse and rapidly evolving markets. The conversation also emphasized the importance of regulatory frameworks that encourage innovation without compromising security and consumer protections, reflecting the complex balance needed in this emerging sector.
This meeting served as the final event on Saqib’s official U.S. tour dedicated to advancing blockchain technology, strengthening public-private partnerships, and promoting international cooperation in the crypto space. Earlier in the trip, Saqib held a high-level discussion at the White House with Robert ‘Bo’ Hines, Executive Director of President Trump’s Council on Digital Assets. The two explored avenues for enhanced collaboration between Pakistan and the United States in digital asset regulation, Bitcoin integration, and decentralized infrastructure development.
A key point of discussion during the White House meeting was Pakistan’s recently announced strategic Bitcoin reserve—a pioneering move aimed at securing the country’s place in the global digital finance arena. The reserve initiative was examined as a potential model for strategic asset management and as a signal of Pakistan’s commitment to embracing innovative financial technologies.
Both meetings emphasized the importance of global cooperation to foster innovation while navigating the regulatory complexities of digital assets. The alignment between Pakistan’s proactive crypto policies and the initiatives in major global financial centers like New York reflects a broader trend toward international collaboration in blockchain governance.
The Pakistan Crypto Council continues to build its role as a central actor in shaping the country’s digital asset future, working closely with international counterparts to position Pakistan as a forward-looking player in the global blockchain ecosystem. These diplomatic engagements not only highlight Pakistan’s rising stature in the crypto world but also pave the way for joint projects that could accelerate blockchain adoption and digital financial inclusion.
With growing interest in cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology worldwide, such high-profile collaborations between countries and cities are expected to drive innovation, regulatory harmony, and economic opportunity across borders.
