Pakistan Unveils Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and National Wallet at Bitcoin 2025 Event

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In a landmark announcement at the Bitcoin 2025 conference in Las Vegas, Pakistan revealed its entry into the growing global movement of sovereign Bitcoin adoption. Bilal Bin Saqib, head of Pakistan’s National Crypto Council, confirmed that the country has officially established a strategic Bitcoin reserve and launched a national digital wallet designed to hold long-term, non-tradable BTC holdings. This marks a significant shift from previous regulatory skepticism toward cryptocurrencies and signals a bold new chapter in Pakistan’s digital economic strategy.

A Sovereign Commitment to Bitcoin

Pakistan’s newly unveiled Bitcoin reserve is not intended for speculative trading or short-term financial gains. Instead, the government has adopted a long-term, value-preserving approach. “We will be holding these bitcoins and we will never, ever sell them,” Saqib declared during his keynote address, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to treating Bitcoin as a permanent sovereign asset.

This strategic move aligns with a broader global trend of governments recognizing Bitcoin’s potential as a digital store of value. The U.S., for example, has recently advanced its “Digital Fort Knox” initiative under the Trump administration, aiming to build a national Bitcoin treasury using seized crypto assets. Pakistan is closely monitoring such developments, particularly U.S. stablecoin legislation like the GENIUS Act, which could shape international regulatory frameworks.

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Powering the Digital Economy: 2,000MW for Mining and AI

Beyond holding Bitcoin, Pakistan is making substantial investments in blockchain infrastructure. The government has allocated 2,000 megawatts of surplus electricity to support both Bitcoin mining operations and AI data centers. This energy surplus, primarily drawn from underutilized hydroelectric and renewable sources, positions Pakistan as a competitive hub for energy-intensive digital industries.

The initiative aims to attract global miners, blockchain startups, and fintech enterprises by offering cost-effective, sustainable power solutions. With this move, Pakistan not only strengthens its domestic technological capabilities but also opens doors for foreign direct investment in its emerging digital economy.

Saqib highlighted that the country’s geographic location, combined with its skilled IT workforce and favorable energy profile, makes it an ideal destination for blockchain innovation. The National Crypto Council—established in February 2025—is leading this transformation by crafting forward-looking policies, promoting international partnerships, and driving public awareness about digital assets.

Regulatory Framework: The Digital Assets Authority

To ensure responsible growth in the crypto sector, Pakistan has launched the Pakistan Digital Assets Authority (PDAA). This new regulatory body will oversee blockchain infrastructure, digital finance, and tokenized assets while adhering to international compliance standards set by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

The PDAA’s mandate includes enforcing anti-money laundering (AML) protocols, licensing crypto platforms, and protecting consumer interests. A comprehensive policy framework released in May 2025 outlines clear guidelines for exchanges, custodians, and decentralized finance (DeFi) projects operating within the country.

This structured regulatory approach reflects Pakistan’s intent to balance innovation with oversight—a model increasingly adopted by forward-thinking economies embracing Web3 technologies.

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Global Trends in Government Bitcoin Holdings

Pakistan now joins a growing list of nations incorporating Bitcoin into their national treasuries. According to Coingecko data from April 2025, over 463,000 BTC are held collectively by governments worldwide.

While most countries acquire Bitcoin through seizures or donations, El Salvador remains the only nation actively buying BTC on the open market. In contrast, Germany sold its entire holdings in mid-2024 to meet budgetary obligations.

Pakistan’s approach diverges from both extremes—it is not selling, nor is it engaging in active accumulation yet. Rather, it is establishing the foundational infrastructure and policy framework to support a sustainable, long-term digital asset strategy.

Financial Inclusion Through Blockchain

One of the most compelling aspects of Pakistan’s crypto vision is its potential to promote financial inclusion. With a large unbanked population—estimated at over 100 million adults—blockchain technology offers a pathway to accessible, low-cost financial services.

Decentralized identity systems, peer-to-peer payments, and mobile-based wallets can empower underserved communities without relying on traditional banking infrastructure. By integrating crypto into its national development agenda, Pakistan aims to leapfrog legacy systems and build an inclusive digital economy.

Saqib stressed that blockchain is more than just a financial tool—it’s a mechanism for economic sovereignty and resilience. “Bitcoin gives us an opportunity to diversify our reserves in a way that isn’t tied to any single foreign currency or central bank,” he noted.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is Pakistan actively buying Bitcoin for its reserve?
A: As of now, Pakistan has not confirmed regular purchases. The focus is on establishing the reserve infrastructure and long-term holding strategy rather than immediate accumulation.

Q: How does Pakistan plan to secure its national Bitcoin wallet?
A: While specific security details haven't been disclosed, the government is expected to use institutional-grade cold storage solutions and multi-signature protocols—similar to best practices followed by other nations and major exchanges.

Q: Will Pakistani citizens be able to use the national wallet?
A: No—the sovereign wallet is strictly for government-held reserves. However, the infrastructure developed may inspire public-facing digital wallet initiatives in the future.

Q: What role does mining play in Pakistan’s strategy?
A: Mining serves dual purposes: generating domestic BTC holdings and utilizing excess energy capacity. The 2,000MW allocation supports both economic development and energy efficiency goals.

Q: Is cryptocurrency now legal tender in Pakistan?
A: No. Bitcoin is recognized as a strategic reserve asset but is not considered legal tender. Transactions using crypto remain subject to regulatory oversight.

Q: How does this affect Pakistan’s relationship with international financial institutions?
A: The government emphasizes FATF compliance and transparency. By regulating through the PDAA and avoiding capital controls circumvention, Pakistan aims to maintain positive engagement with global financial bodies.

Looking Ahead: A New Era of Digital Sovereignty

Pakistan’s announcement at Bitcoin 2025 represents more than just a policy shift—it's a declaration of digital ambition. By combining strategic Bitcoin reserves, dedicated energy allocation, and robust regulation, the country is laying the groundwork for a resilient, future-ready economy.

As more nations explore the role of digital assets in national finance, Pakistan’s model—centered on preservation, inclusion, and sustainability—could serve as a blueprint for other emerging markets navigating the Web3 transition.

With strong leadership from the National Crypto Council and clear direction from the PDAA, Pakistan is no longer on the sidelines of the crypto revolution. It is stepping forward as a proactive architect of the next-generation financial system.

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