
PCC reviews progress on digital assets regulatory framework
ISLAMABAD: A follow-up meeting of the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC) was held Thursday at the Finance Division to review progress on the development of a comprehensive regulatory framework for digital and virtual assets in Pakistan. The session was chaired by Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb.
The meeting was attended virtually by Bilal bin Saqib, Minister of State/Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Blockchain and Crypto and Chief Executive Officer of the Pakistan Crypto Council. Other participants included the Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP); Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP); Secretary, Law & Justice Division; and Secretary, Ministry of Information Technology & Telecommunication.
Regulatory framework for digital, virtual assets discussed
During the meeting, the Ministry of Law and Justice tabled a draft of the proposed legal framework, developed through close collaboration with members of the Pakistan Crypto Council, key stakeholders, and technical experts.
The draft legislation outlines a robust regulatory structure for digital and virtual assets, encompassing governance mechanisms, licensing protocols, and investor protection provisions. Designed in alignment with international best practices and evolving global standards, the proposed framework seeks to position Pakistan as a forward-looking participant in the digital asset ecosystem.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Express Tribune
11 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Pakistan's crypto minister Bilal Bin Saqib meets dozens of US officials
Minister of State for Crypto, Blockchain and CEO of the Pakistan Crypto Council Bilal Bin Saqib Listen to article Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Crypto and Blockchain Bilal Bin Saqib met with over a dozen key US government officials and lawmakers this week in Washington to strengthen cooperation in the areas of digital assets, blockchain regulation and financial innovation. The SAPM met with Senator Cynthia Lummis, co-author of the Lummis-Gillibrand Responsible Financial Innovation Act and co-sponsor of the Bitcoin Act, which seeks to designate Bitcoin as a strategic reserve asset. Senator Lummis has been a leading advocate for thoughtful and comprehensive crypto legislation in the US. He also met with Senator Bill Hagerty, a member of the Senate Banking Committee and supporter of a pro-innovation regulatory environment, and with Senator Rick Scott, who has consistently emphasised economic security and financial stability. Additionally, he also met with senators Tim Sheehy and Jim Justice, the latter also a co-sponsor of the Bitcoin Act and a strong supporter of blockchain applications in government and infrastructure. Meetings also included Senator Ted Cruz, Congressman Troy Downing, a member of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Digital Assets, Congressman Ryan Zinke, Congressman Rick McCormick, and Congressman Derrick Van Orden — all of whom are actively engaged in shaping policy frameworks related to emerging technologies. Jill Kelley, founder of blockchain identity platform EdentifID, participated in discussions alongside Congressman McCormick, bringing perspectives from the private tech sector. He also met with White House Associate Counsel Kevin Cline and Associate Counsel Ugonna Eze of the White House Counsel's Office. 'We came to learn, to listen, and to contribute,' said Bilal bin Saqib. 'Pakistan is actively studying how global leaders are approaching regulation, innovation, and financial inclusion — not to copy, but to adapt the best ideas for our unique landscape.' The visit also served to share Pakistan's initiatives — including the recent announcement of its Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, efforts to build a virtual asset regulatory framework, and the use of stablecoins to improve remittances and expand financial access. The exchanges highlighted the need for closer global coordination and the role emerging markets like Pakistan can play in shaping the next chapter of the digital economy. 'To sit at the table with those writing the future of finance is a responsibility and a signal: Pakistan is not waiting to catch up — we are here to lead,' said Saqib. 'From Capitol Hill to the White House, I shared a new face of Pakistan — one driven by its youth, powered by innovation, and ready to build global alliances for digital progress.' 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. Last week, the Ministry of Finance reported that Pakistan allocated 2,000 megawatts of electricity for Bitcoin mining and AI data centres as part of a national initiative to make Pakistan a leader in digital innovation. Read more: IMF seeks explanation on Bitcoin, AI initiatives This initiative, led by the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC), aims to use excess electricity, create high-tech jobs, and attract foreign investment. The allocation marks the first phase of a broader digital infrastructure rollout. Future developments are expected to include renewable energy-powered facilities, global partnerships with blockchain and AI firms, and the establishment of fintech and innovation hubs. On the other hand, the federal government and the central bank reiterated on Thursday that the use of cryptocurrencies was illegal and anyone dealing in these currencies was liable to be investigated by the Financial Monitoring Unit (FMU) and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). 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. "The work on the crypto currencies is at a very, very preliminary stage and whenever the government decides to take it further, we would recommend to first have a comprehensive legal and regulatory framework for it," Bosal said, adding that so far, there was no such framework. Sitting on the committee, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) MNA Sharmila Faruqi raised the issue of the contradictory policy statements by the government about the promotion of cryptocurrencies in Pakistan. "There seems to be no legal framework for the cryptocurrencies even though Pakistan has recently come out of the Financial Action Task Force [FATF] grey list," she said. In reply, Jawad hoped that the PCC would involve other stakeholders to agree on a robust legal and regulatory framework. Whereas the finance secretary was telling the National Assembly committee that the use of cryptocurrencies was illegal in Pakistan, his ministry was promoting these new currencies through a different set of announcements, at least two of them coming out this week. Jawad, the SBP executive director, said that in 2018, the central bank had issued instructions to its regulated entities. "Under these instructions that are still valid, the trading and holding of the crypto currencies is illegal, and these entities are bound to report such cases to the FMU for ongoing investigation by the FIA", he said.


Business Recorder
14 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Pakistan's crypto chief meets New York City mayor, pushes for global blockchain cooperation
In a high-profile meeting at Gracie Mansion, New York City Mayor Eric Adams extended a symbolic gesture of camaraderie to Pakistan by telling Bilal Bin Saqib, Pakistan's Minister of State for Crypto and Blockchain, 'We consider New York to be Lahore.' The remark, made during an official diplomatic engagement, highlighted the growing ties between the two emerging hubs of digital finance and innovation. The meeting marked a key step toward building direct collaboration between the New York Crypto Council and the Pakistan Crypto Council—two government-backed bodies committed to shaping the future of Web3, read a statement released by the Ministry of Finance on Friday. Both New York City and Pakistan have taken bold steps by establishing dedicated crypto councils to support the responsible growth of the digital economy. During the meeting, Mayor Adams and SAPM Saqib explored opportunities to co-develop knowledge-sharing initiatives, capacity-building programs, and strategic advisory efforts to foster innovation while ensuring regulatory compliance. The two leaders also discussed shared challenges and approaches to growing the digital asset economy in diverse, high-potential markets, read the statement. The meeting marked the final stop on Saqib's official US tour focused on blockchain innovation, public-private partnerships, and advancing global crypto collaboration. Earlier, Saqib met with the Executive Director of President Trump's Council on Digital Assets, Robert 'Bo' Hines, at the White House. During the meeting, both sides discussed ways to enhance cooperation between Pakistan and the United States in the field of digital assets. Key areas of discussion included Bitcoin, future partnerships, and potential collaboration in the evolving global digital economy. They also discussed strategic alignment on digital assets, Bitcoin integration and the future of decentralised infrastructure. A major topic of the meeting was Pakistan's recently announced strategic Bitcoin reserves, which were explored in detail as a step toward strengthening the country's position in the digital finance space.


Business Recorder
21 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Gold soars significantly by Rs4,300/tola in Pakistan
KARACHI: Gold prices soared significantly on Thursday, as world market touched $3,400 per ounce, traders said. Up by huge $43, international bullion prices soared to $3,400 per ounce, driving up the local gold prices by Rs4,300 per tola and Rs3,687 per 10 grams. This surge took the total value of gold prices to Rs358,400 per tola and Rs307,270 per 10 grams, according to All Pakistan Sarafa Gems and Jewelers Association. Domestic silver prices skyrocketed by Rs159 and Rs136, reaching Rs3,745 per tola and Rs3,210 per 10 grams with the international market growing to $36 per ounce, the association added. It is worth noting that the open market may trade gold and silver at different prices as compared to those fixed by the association. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025