
Pakistan is establishing ‘Strategic Bitcoin Reserve,' says PM's aide on crypto
Minister of State for Crypto, Blockchain and CEO of the Pakistan Crypto Council Bilal Bin Saqib. PHOTO: BILAL SAQIB WEBSITE
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Prime Minister's Special Assistant on Crypto and Blockchain and CEO of the Pakistan Crypto Council, Bilal bin Saqib, said on Thursday that Pakistan is making important strides in the crypto domain in which India is lacking traction.
Bilal further stated that Pakistan is not only experimenting with cryptocurrency but has entered the field with full commitment. With the government's support, a 'Strategic Bitcoin Reserve' is being established, he added.
What makes the situation even more interesting is that Pakistan created its reserve just three months after the United States announced a similar initiative, Bilal said. In contrast, India is still merely making promises about discussions on crypto.
Read more: Pakistan, US explore ways for digital asset innovation
Bilal added that India has been talking about releasing a 'Crypto Policy Paper' for several years, and its latest promise is for June 2025. 'That date is approaching with each passing day, but in reality, it never seems to arrive,' he said, describing the situation as resembling 'a form of satirical poetry.'
Bilal said that Pakistan, once considered a laggard in the tech world, is now dreaming of leading the innovation journey. 'The country is undergoing a process of rebirth and is now ready to establish a new identity on the global stage,' he added.
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With one of the world's youngest populations, a thriving freelance economy, and over $36 billion in annual remittances, Pakistan is uniquely positioned to become a testbed for responsible innovation, grounded in transparency, accessibility, and long-term impact. Furthermore, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has asked the Pakistani government for an explanation regarding the allocation of 2,000 megawatts of electricity for Bitcoin mining and AI data centres without consulting the IMF. IMF officials plan to discuss the issue with the government in a virtual meeting and questioned how the allocation was made without clarifying the legal status of cryptocurrency. The IMF emphasised that decisions should be made within the framework of its programme after mutual consultation. The government is expected to face tough questions during talks on the new fiscal budget, with both sides agreeing to hold virtual consultations. 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The statements were made by Federal Finance Secretary Imdad Ullah Bosal and State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Executive Director Sohail Jawad during a meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance. Read more: Crypto currencies' use is illegal, National Assembly told The development also came a day after the newly appointed Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on crypto and blockchain, Bilal Bin Saqib, made a pitch for the promotion of cryptocurrencies during his visit to the United States. Crypto is not a legal currency in Pakistan, said Bosal. He recommended that the committee invite the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC) for further briefing. SAPM Bilal Bin Saqib is also the chief executive officer of the PCC. 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