Pakistan Engages Bitcoin Advocate in High-Level Crypto Talks
In a major development for Pakistan’s digital finance strategy, top officials from the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC) met with Bitcoin advocate and billionaire Michael Saylor this week to discuss the potential adoption of digital currencies. The virtual meeting, held on June 15, brought together Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, PCC CEO Bilal Bin Saqib, and Saylor, signaling Pakistan’s intent to play a pioneering role in the global crypto space.
The discussions centered on how digital assets, particularly Bitcoin, could be integrated into Pakistan’s broader financial system — including sovereign reserves and future monetary frameworks.
Strengthening Financial Resilience Through Bitcoin
According to a statement released after the meeting, the participants explored the long-term strategic value of Bitcoin as a reserve asset for Pakistan. Saylor, who is Chairman of Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy), emphasized that Bitcoin offers unmatched strength for national economic resilience, especially in countries facing fiscal volatility and currency devaluation.
“Bitcoin is the strongest asset for long-term national resilience,” Saylor said, highlighting how emerging markets like Pakistan can benefit from early adoption of decentralized technologies. He praised Pakistan’s leadership for its clarity, vision, and commitment to fostering a digital economy.
Michael Saylor’s Growing Role in Global Crypto Policy
Michael Saylor is among the world’s most vocal Bitcoin proponents. His firm, Strategy, is the largest corporate holder of Bitcoin globally, currently owning over 582,000 BTC, valued at approximately $62 billion. Since adopting Bitcoin as its primary treasury asset in 2020, Strategy’s market capitalization has soared, making Saylor a key figure in crypto-financial strategy for corporations and now sovereign nations.
During the meeting, Saylor reportedly offered advisory support to help Pakistan design a framework for digital currency adoption and inclusion in state reserves.
Pakistan’s Vision for Digital Asset Leadership
Finance Minister Aurangzeb, who also chairs the PCC, stated that Pakistan aspires to lead the Global South in digital asset development and adoption. He underlined the government’s mission to create a regulated, innovation-driven digital finance ecosystem that promotes inclusive growth and financial independence.
“We aim to set a benchmark for innovation, regulation, and inclusive growth in digital finance,” Aurangzeb said, reflecting Pakistan’s ambition to become a regional hub for blockchain-based finance and fintech investment.
Formation of Regulatory Bodies and Policies
The talks with Saylor follow several rapid developments in Pakistan’s crypto regulatory landscape. In March 2025, the government launched the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC) to oversee policy creation and attract international investment in the blockchain sector.
A month later, Pakistan introduced its first national policy for virtual assets, aligning with global standards including those set by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to combat money laundering and enhance transparency.
In May, the federal cabinet approved the formation of the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA), tasked with supervising blockchain infrastructure and ensuring legal clarity for crypto-related ventures. These moves collectively represent a bold pivot toward formal digital asset regulation in the country.
Bitcoin Reserve Announcement Draws Global Attention
Another significant milestone occurred in May 2025, when Pakistan unveiled its first government-backed strategic Bitcoin reserve. The announcement, made during the Bitcoin 2025 conference in Las Vegas, attracted global media coverage and positioned Pakistan among the earliest developing countries to publicly commit to holding Bitcoin at the state level.
The reserve is seen as a symbolic and financial hedge against inflation and geopolitical uncertainty, aligning with similar steps taken by El Salvador and some private central banks exploring alternative reserves.
Consultations With Global Stakeholders Underway
Officials stated that further consultations with global stakeholders are in progress, as Pakistan crafts a comprehensive digital financial ecosystem. By involving prominent figures like Saylor, the country is signaling both a serious commitment and a strategic outreach effort to secure foreign partnerships and technical guidance.
With institutions like PCC and PVARA now operational, and policy blueprints in place, Pakistan is rapidly transitioning from speculative crypto debates to structured adoption and implementation.
Future Outlook: Can Pakistan Lead the Global South?
While Pakistan still faces economic and political challenges, its swift regulatory progress in the digital asset space is drawing attention. Collaborations with seasoned investors like Michael Saylor could help accelerate the integration of blockchain into public finance, trade, and governance.
If momentum continues, Pakistan could establish itself not only as a regional crypto leader, but as a template for digital currency adoption in the Global South. The government’s proactive stance suggests it views crypto not as a threat, but as an opportunity to modernize and diversify its economy.
