In a historic step that signals Pakistan’s commitment to the future of decentralized finance, the country has officially launched its first government-led Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. The announcement was made during a high-profile event in the United States, attended by U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and two sons of President Donald Trump.
This landmark initiative arrives just days after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appointed Bilal Bin Saqib as the Special Assistant on Blockchain and Cryptocurrency — granting him Minister of State status.
Pakistan Bets on Bitcoin and AI
In addition to unveiling its Bitcoin reserve, the Pakistani government has allocated 2,000 MW of electricity to support Bitcoin mining farms and AI-powered data centers — signaling a bold pivot toward digital infrastructure and financial technology.
This move is part of Pakistan’s broader strategy to attract global investment into its growing crypto ecosystem, particularly by showcasing its potential as a tech-forward nation with a young, digital-savvy population.
“Pakistan is no longer defined by its past. It is being reborn as a forward-looking hub of digital innovation… Come build wallets for the unbanked. Come tokenise land. Come scale your mission with our youth and our unstoppable grit,” — Bilal Bin Saqib, Special Assistant to the PM
Bitcoin Wallet as a National Reserve
Bilal Bin Saqib also revealed that the government is setting up a national Bitcoin wallet — holding state-controlled digital assets, not for speculation, but as part of a sovereign strategic reserve. The wallet will act as a symbol of Pakistan’s long-term commitment to blockchain innovation and decentralized finance.
According to the official statement, over 40 million crypto wallets already exist in Pakistan, making it one of the most active crypto and freelance economies globally.
Who is Bilal Bin Saqib?
A rising star in the world of blockchain and philanthropy, Bilal Bin Saqib is no stranger to innovation and impact.
- Founder of Tayaba, a social enterprise tackling water scarcity in rural Pakistan.
- Creator of the H2O Wheel, a low-cost solution that has helped over 5,500 families transport water more efficiently.
- Now serves as CEO of the Pakistan Crypto Council and the PM’s official blockchain advisor.
Saqib’s appointment is widely seen as a generational shift, bringing visionary leadership to Pakistan’s digital transformation journey.
What’s Next?
Pakistan’s crypto pivot could redefine its economic trajectory, inviting global partnerships, technology startups, and decentralized solutions into a market eager for change.
With state-backed reserves, infrastructure support, and a proactive leadership team in place, Pakistan is positioning itself as a rising crypto power in Asia.
