Inside the Pakistan Crypto Council: 8 Bold Moves Shaping the Country’s Digital Future
1. 🏛️ What is the PCC?
The Pakistan Crypto Council is a government-backed regulatory body launched on March 14, 2025 to oversee blockchain and cryptocurrency integration into Pakistan’s financial system. Chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangeb and led operationally by CEO Bilal Bin Saqib, it aims to shape policy, foster innovation, and establish a secure regulatory environment.
2. 🧑💼 Leadership & Key Members
- Chair: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb
- CEO & PM Special Assistant: Bilal Bin Saqib – social entrepreneur and LSE alumnus, also appointed Special Assistant to the PM on Blockchain & Crypto (May 26, 2025).
- Strategic Advisor: Changpeng “CZ” Zhao, founder of Binance, joined as advisor in April 2025.
- Also includes heads from the SBP, SECP, Law & IT secretaries.
3. 🎯 Core Objectives
- Develop comprehensive crypto regulations and licensing frameworks.
- Engage with international bodies and adopt global best practices.
- Promote blockchain innovation and digital economy through regulatory sandboxes.
- Ensure consumer protection, AML/KYC compliance, and financial stability.
4. ⚡ Powering Bitcoin Mining & AI Centers
Leveraging surplus energy, the PCC has initiated the allocation of 2,000 MW of electricity to power bitcoin mining farms and AI data centres. These steps aim to boost employment, utilize energy, and attract investment.
5. 💼 International Deal-Making
- Hosted global crypto pioneers: CZ of Binance became strategic advisor in joint meetings with SBP, SECP, and finance ministry.
- Entered MOUs with entities like World Liberty Financial for DeFi infrastructure and stablecoin frameworks.
- Founded a Pakistan–Malaysia digital finance partnership to develop Shariah-compliant fintech frameworks.
6. 🇵🇰 “Strategic Bitcoin Reserve”
In late May 2025, CEO Bilal Bin Saqib unveiled Pakistan’s first government-led Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, to be held in a national wallet and "never sold". This move was backed by allocation of energy resources and signals long-term crypto commitment.
7. 🚧 Facing Domestic Legal Hurdles
Despite bold steps, cryptocurrency remains legally banned under SBP and Finance Ministry advisories. Experts warn of a contradiction between dynamic PCC initiatives and current laws, urging formal legalization.
8. 🔮 What’s Next?
- Drafting a robust and internationally aligned regulatory framework with an autonomous crypto authority under PCC oversight.
- Piloting safe regulatory sandboxes and expanding mining/AI centre initiatives.
- Continuing international partnerships and investments to position Pakistan as a global digital finance hub.
💡 Bottom Line
The Pakistan Crypto Council is a bold venture to integrate blockchain and crypto into national policy. With high-profile leadership, energy-focused infrastructure plans, international partnerships, and the launch of a national Bitcoin reserve, PCC is actively shaping Pakistan’s role in digital finance. However, significant legal contradictions must be resolved to ensure a stable regulatory future.
