Key Takeaways
- Pakistan has announced a national Bitcoin Strategic Reserve.
- The country allocated 2,000 megawatts of excess energy to Bitcoin mining.
- Binance co-founder Changpeng Zhao is advising Pakistan's crypto council.
Pakistan announced on May 28 that it is establishing a government-led Bitcoin Strategic Reserve, a dramatic shift from its previous stance that digital assets would never be legalized in the country.
Announcement at Bitcoin 2025 Conference
Bilal Bin Saqib, head of Pakistan’s crypto council, made the announcement at the Bitcoin 2025 conference in Las Vegas.
Saqib told the audience:
Today is a very historic day. Today, I announce the Pakistani government is setting up its own government-led Bitcoin Strategic Reserve, and we want to thank the United States of America again because we were inspired by them.
Inspiration from the U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve
The move comes just weeks after the U.S. unveiled its own Strategic Bitcoin Reserve under the Trump administration.
Pakistan’s reserve will be backed by a broader national policy shift that includes establishing a regulatory body for digital assets and leveraging surplus energy for Bitcoin mining.
Formation of the National Crypto Council
In February 2025, the Pakistani government proposed the formation of a “National Crypto Council” to oversee crypto policy and attract foreign investment.
In May, the council allocated 2,000 megawatts of excess energy to Bitcoin mining and data centers.
Advisory role of Binance co-founder
Binance co-founder Changpeng Zhao, appointed in April, is serving as an adviser to the council, offering guidance on blockchain policy and adoption.
Establishment of the Digital Asset Authority
In addition, the Ministry of Finance has commissioned a new agency—the Digital Asset Authority—to regulate crypto platforms and issue licenses to digital asset providers operating in Pakistan.
Conclusion
The announcement underscores Pakistan’s accelerating embrace of digital assets amid global policy shifts.
