Pakistan is making significant strides in the crypto space with plans to establish a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve (SBR), aiming to secure its future in digital assets.
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Pakistan unveiled plans to set a strategic BTC reserve and not sell the holdings.
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About eight countries hold BTC worth over $57 billion as of May 2025.
Pakistan has unveiled plans for setting up a Strategic Bitcoin [BTC] Reserve (SBR).
Speaking during the Bitcoin Conference in Las Vegas, Bilal bin Saqib, the CEO of Pakistani Crypto Council (PCC) and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on blockchain and crypto, said,
“The Pakistani government is setting up its own government-led Bitcoin strategic reserve. And the national BTC wallet is not for speculation or hype. We’ll be holding these BTCs and we’ll never sell them.”
The Trump BTC Effect: Innovation or Speculation?
Saqib acknowledged President Donald Trump’s impact in the cryptocurrency space, reflecting on the broader implications of national policies regarding digital currencies.
“He (Trump) was able to recognize that Bitcoin is not a threat but an opportunity for innovation, freedom, and sovereignty.”
Notably, the Trump administration pledged to set up a strategic BTC reserve (SBR). Although the promise is yet to be kept, this move ignited interest among other nations, including Pakistan. Saqib emphasized, however, that Pakistan’s crypto ambition extends beyond just the SBR. In March, he communicated to Bloomberg that the country was ‘done sitting on the sidelines’ on matters of crypto and financial innovation.
Legal Framework for Crypto Adoption
As part of this proactive approach, Saqib mentioned efforts towards developing a comprehensive legal framework aimed at encouraging crypto adoption and investment. Shortly after, the PCC appointed Binance founder, CZ, as a strategic advisor to the council.
Pakistan’s crypto strategies also led to a partnership with Trump-backed World Liberty Financials (WLFI), announced in late April, targeting enhanced crypto adoption and blockchain-related initiatives like tokenization and remittances.
According to Saqib, “Our collaboration with WLFI is more than just a partnership; it’s a strategic move to empower our young population and integrate Pakistan into the future of global finance.”
Regional Crypto Adoption and the Future
During the BTC Conference, Saqib also revealed that Pakistan has approximately 40 million crypto users, representing a significant segment of the population eager to engage with digital currencies. This growing interest has positioned the nation among the top ten in Chainalysis’ 2024 crypto adoption report, primarily due to an increase in the use of centralized exchanges.
If the SBR is successfully implemented, Pakistan will join the ranks of El Salvador, the Kingdom of Bhutan, the U.S., and China as prominent holders of Bitcoin. This development could play a vital role in reshaping the landscape of cryptocurrency in the region.
Source: BitBo
Overall, only eight countries hold BTC, collectively worth over $57 billion, according to BitBo data. It is projected that national and institutional adoption will be a significant catalyst for Bitcoin’s long-term growth.
At press time, BTC traded at $108K, reflecting a 14% increase over the past thirty days and a 40% jump since April’s low.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s strategic move towards establishing a Bitcoin reserve highlights a pivotal shift in its financial landscape. As the country aims to position itself at the forefront of cryptocurrency adoption, ongoing legal and infrastructural developments will be crucial. The future of crypto in Pakistan appears promising, with a clear vision to empower its youthful population and engage actively in global finance.
