Pakistan Crypto Highlights
1. Pakistan Becomes 8th-Largest Crypto Market Globally
A report from the Asian Development Bank estimates that Pakistani citizens hold $20–25 billion in digital assets, placing the country among the top 10 global adopters of crypto despite a government ban. This surge is attributed to soaring inflation (around 38% in 2023) and a 165% devaluation of the rupee since 2017. To adapt, authorities plan to launch a central bank digital currency (CBDC) by 2025 for interbank and treasury use.
2. Establishment of Strategic Bitcoin Reserve
At the Bitcoin 2025 conference in Las Vegas, Pakistan’s Crypto Council head, Bilal Bin Saqib, announced the creation of a government-led Bitcoin strategic reserve—a landmark shift toward embracing cryptocurrencies within state finance.
3. Fast-Tracking Crypto into Pakistan’s Financial Ecosystem
Recent media reports reveal that as of late July 2025, Pakistan is moving aggressively to integrate cryptocurrency into mainstream sectors, including traditional banking, foreign exchange markets, and even gold trading systems.
4. Launch of Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA)
In July 2025, Pakistan established the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA) under the Virtual Assets Ordinance, 2025. Headed by Muhammad Aurangzeb, the agency will be responsible for licensing, regulating, and supervising virtual asset services, with additional infrastructure like a regulatory sandbox and a Sharia Advisory Committee to support innovations and ensure compliance.
5. CBDC Pilot and Virtual Asset Legislation Near Completion
The State Bank of Pakistan is preparing to roll out a pilot program for its CBDC, with relevant legislation almost finalized. The country is also drafting a regulatory framework for virtual assets, working alongside the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC) and tech partners.
1. Pakistan Becomes 8th-Largest Crypto Market Globally
A report from the Asian Development Bank estimates that Pakistani citizens hold $20–25 billion in digital assets, placing the country among the top 10 global adopters of crypto despite a government ban. This surge is attributed to soaring inflation (around 38% in 2023) and a 165% devaluation of the rupee since 2017. To adapt, authorities plan to launch a central bank digital currency (CBDC) by 2025 for interbank and treasury use.
2. Establishment of Strategic Bitcoin Reserve
At the Bitcoin 2025 conference in Las Vegas, Pakistan’s Crypto Council head, Bilal Bin Saqib, announced the creation of a government-led Bitcoin strategic reserve—a landmark shift toward embracing cryptocurrencies within state finance.
3. Fast-Tracking Crypto into Pakistan’s Financial Ecosystem
Recent media reports reveal that as of late July 2025, Pakistan is moving aggressively to integrate cryptocurrency into mainstream sectors, including traditional banking, foreign exchange markets, and even gold trading systems.
4. Launch of Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA)
In July 2025, Pakistan established the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA) under the Virtual Assets Ordinance, 2025. Headed by Muhammad Aurangzeb, the agency will be responsible for licensing, regulating, and supervising virtual asset services, with additional infrastructure like a regulatory sandbox and a Sharia Advisory Committee to support innovations and ensure compliance.
5. CBDC Pilot and Virtual Asset Legislation Near Completion
The State Bank of Pakistan is preparing to roll out a pilot program for its CBDC, with relevant legislation almost finalized. The country is also drafting a regulatory framework for virtual assets, working alongside the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC) and tech partners.