Pakistan is taking steps to establish a clear regulatory framework for cryptocurrency trading, aiming to attract international investment and boost economic growth.

In a bold shift from its previous cautious approach, the world is working to formalize digital asset activities.

Bilal bin Saqib, CEO of Pakistan Cryptocurrency Council and Chief Advisor on Digital Assets to the new Finance Minister, recently told the mining community that the move is a necessary step to unlock Pakistan’s huge potential.

“Pakistan is no longer sitting on the sidelines,” Saqib declared. “We want to attract international investment because Pakistan is a low-cost, high-growth market with 60% of the population under the age of 30.”

Cryptocurrency trading has made significant progress in Pakistan. The country currently ranks ninth in the world in terms of cryptocurrency adoption. Despite warnings from the central bank about the risks of digital assets, an estimated 15 million to 20 million people are still actively trading.

The momentum is mainly coming from young and tech-savvy people eager to explore new economic opportunities. Their enthusiasm has driven the legalization of cryptocurrency in Pakistan.

March 20, 2025