Pakistan Turns Crypto Into a Tool for All

Pakistan’s new regulator sees crypto not as a luxury but as a tool to help its young, unbanked population.
The country hosts the world’s third‑largest retail crypto market—40 million people trading digital assets without any rules or protections.

From Gray Market to Governed Ecosystem

• Regulator’s Vision: Shift from an unregulated gray market to a fully governed one, bringing benefits back to the state.
• Target Population: 250 million residents, largely under 30, many lacking bank or savings access.
• Goal: Treat crypto as sovereign wealth rather than speculation, providing a ladder out of poverty.

National Bitcoin Reserve & Mining Strategy

1. State‑Held Digital Assets

   • Formal custody system for transparency and accountability.

2. Mining Initiatives

   • Evaluate sites with surplus electricity for economic viability.
   • Seek partnerships with global miners and AI compute operators.

Broader Energy Strategy

• Unused Energy Utilization

• Link mining and AI data centers to national digital infrastructure.

• Economic & Environmental Impact
• Responsible partnerships that boost the economy while keeping energy use efficient.

The regulator’s plans signal a bold step toward integrating digital finance into Pakistan’s national strategy, potentially reshaping the country’s economic landscape.