Bilal Bin Saqib, head of Pakistan’s Crypto Council, said at the Bitcoin 2025 conference in Las Vegas that Pakistan will set up a government-led Bitcoin Strategic Reserve.
Saqib thanked the United States for inspiring Pakistan’s move toward a Bitcoin reserve. He added that the country will adopt pro-crypto rules, similar to those in the US, and stated the Pakistan will “Never Sell Its Bitcoin Reserves.”
Reversal of Past Policy
Earlier, Pakistan’s government had said digital assets would never be legal in the country. The new plan represents a significant shift in policy. It shows a change from rejection of cryptocurrencies to active support.
Saqib said Pakistan will now follow in the footsteps of the US, which, under the Trump administration, began a similar Bitcoin reserve.
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Powering Mining and AI
Alongside the reserve, Pakistan’s Ministry of Finance announced extra power for mining and AI.
The government has set aside 2,000 megawatts of electricity for Bitcoin mining and artificial intelligence centres. This move aims to attract investment and boost technology growth in the country.
Building a Regulatory Framework
In February 2025, Pakistan first floated the idea of a “National Crypto Council.” The council will create rules for digital currencies and draw in foreign investors. Officials hope a clear framework will help Pakistan tap into the global crypto market.
Changpeng Zhao, former CEO of Binance, praised Pakistan’s crypto potential. In a post on X, he said Pakistan has “an active crypto market” and noted that its average age of 24 fuels fast adoption of digital coins.
Global Context and US Influence
Pakistan’s decision follows a trend of nations embracing Bitcoin as a reserve asset. El Salvador led this wave by making Bitcoin legal tender. Other countries are exploring ways to hold Bitcoin in their treasury.
The US, under former President Donald Trump, also created its own strategic Bitcoin reserve. Pakistan’s move highlights how US leadership in crypto policy encourages others to act.
India’s Inaction and Call to Action
Unlike Pakistan, India has not taken any similar steps toward a Bitcoin reserve. Sumit Gupta, co-founder and CEO of CoinDCX, warned that India risks falling behind. He said, “Bitcoin will become a strategically important asset for the United States over the next decade.”
He added that even a small country like Pakistan understands this shift. Gupta urged India to act boldly and quickly, or else it will lose out.
Pakistan’s announcement marks a turning point in its approach to digital assets. By creating a Bitcoin reserve and supporting mining and AI, the country signals its intent to join the global crypto movement.
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