Pakistan Crypto Council’s Rapid Progress Signals New Era for Crypto Innovation and Regulation in the Region
Key Takeaways
• Pakistan Crypto Council has rapidly advanced Pakistan’s position as a regional and global leader in crypto diplomacy and regulation within just 50 days.
• Strategic partnerships with global crypto figures and US-backed blockchain projects highlight Pakistan’s openness to innovation and international collaboration.
• Pakistan’s regulatory framework and energy resources are attracting international investment, contrasting sharply with India’s restrictive crypto policies.
Islamabad, Pakistan – In just 50 days since its inception on March 14, 2025, the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC) has positioned Pakistan as a formidable force in global cryptocurrency diplomacy, infrastructure development, and regulatory leadership. This swift progress underscores Pakistan’s commitment to becoming a key player in the fast-evolving crypto industry, setting it apart from regional peers like India.
The PCC’s rapid achievements include securing Binance founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ) as a strategic advisor, marking an unprecedented move for any country in South Asia. CZ’s expertise in crypto infrastructure and global compliance is expected to accelerate Pakistan’s blockchain adoption and regulatory frameworks. Additionally, the PCC signed a landmark Letter of Intent with World Liberty Financial (WLF), a US-backed blockchain project associated with former President Donald Trump’s circle, aiming to promote stablecoins, decentralized finance (DeFi), and cross-border blockchain infrastructure in Pakistan.
This collaboration comes at a critical time amid regional tensions, drawing international media attention and even coverage from Indian outlets, which have noted Pakistan’s crypto diplomacy advancements while highlighting India’s comparatively restrictive policies.
PCC CEO Bilal Bin Saqib also met with Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Mohamad bin Hajji Hasan to explore a Pakistan-Malaysia Digital Finance Partnership. This alliance focuses on developing FATF-compliant, Shariah-aligned digital asset frameworks, leveraging Malaysia’s Islamic finance expertise and Pakistan’s regulatory momentum.
The council is actively engaging with international Bitcoin mining firms to utilize Pakistan’s surplus electricity for mining and AI data centers. It is also negotiating with firms specializing in real-world asset tokenization to bring land, commodities, and other assets onto blockchain platforms.
PCC is finalizing a comprehensive regulatory framework emphasizing risk-based compliance, AML/KYC standards, and sustainable innovation, aiming to lead the Global South in crypto regulation. The council’s efforts have attracted global blockchain leaders like Justin Sun, founder of TRON, who has accepted an invitation to visit Pakistan.
While India’s heavy taxation on crypto has driven trading offshore, Pakistan’s open and structured approach is seen as a strategic advantage to capture regional liquidity, innovation, and talent, signaling a new chapter in Pakistan’s digital economy.
