Pakistan has officially joined the growing list of nations embracing Bitcoin as a strategic asset, with the country’s top crypto official announcing plans for a national Bitcoin reserve at the Bitcoin 2025 conference in Las Vegas.
The announcement marks a dramatic shift in the South Asian nation’s approach to cryptocurrency, moving from outright rejection to full embrace of digital assets as part of its economic strategy.
Bilal Bin Saqib, Pakistan’s Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Blockchain and Cryptocurrency, delivered the groundbreaking news on Wednesday, telling the audience that “today is a very historic day” as he unveiled the government’s Bitcoin accumulation plans.
The announcement represents one of the most significant policy reversals in Pakistan’s recent economic history, transforming the country from a crypto skeptic to a potential Bitcoin powerhouse.
“We are getting inspired by the United States of America,” Saqib declared, referencing US President Donald Trump’s executive order that paved the way for America’s own strategic Bitcoin reserve. The Pakistani official emphasized that like the U.S. approach, their Bitcoin holdings would be held indefinitely, stating emphatically: “We will be holding these Bitcoins and we will never, ever sell them.”
Government Crypto Infrastructure
Beyond the strategic reserve announcement, Pakistan revealed ambitious plans to become a major player in the global Bitcoin mining landscape. The government has allocated an impressive 2,000 megawatts of surplus electricity specifically for Bitcoin mining operations and AI data centers, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to cryptocurrency adoption that extends far beyond mere asset accumulation.
This massive energy allocation represents a significant commitment to the crypto sector, with Saqib actively courting international mining companies to establish operations in Pakistan. “We want to welcome all miners to come to Pakistan, all the infrastructure players to come to Pakistan and build with us,” he announced, positioning the country as an attractive destination for crypto businesses seeking reliable energy sources and government support.
The energy initiative is designed to serve multiple economic objectives, including revenue generation, job creation, and attracting foreign investment. This multipronged approach suggests that Pakistan views cryptocurrency not just as a financial instrument, but as a catalyst for broader economic development and technological advancement.
From Prohibition To Promotion
The announcement represents a complete 180-degree turn from Pakistan’s previous stance on digital assets. The government had previously maintained that cryptocurrencies would never be legalized in the country, making this policy reversal all the more remarkable. The transformation began in earnest in February 2025 with the establishment of a National Crypto Council, designed to develop comprehensive regulatory frameworks and attract foreign investment.
The country’s crypto embrace has accelerated rapidly, with several high-profile developments in recent months. Binance co-founder Changpeng Zhao was appointed as an advisor to the Council in April, bringing world-class expertise to Pakistan’s digital asset strategy. Additionally, Trump’s World Liberty Financial signed a letter of intent to help Pakistan tokenize real-world assets and build DeFi infrastructure.
