Chairman of the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA), Bilal Bin Saqib, has stated that Pakistan views Bitcoin and digital assets not merely as speculative instruments but as the future foundation of its economic infrastructure.
Pakistan marked a strong presence at Bitcoin MENA 2025, the largest digital asset conference in the region. Bilal Bin Saqib participated in a significant panel discussion alongside Darar Islam, COO of Antalpha, highlighting Pakistan’s emerging role in global digital finance.
Addressing investors, tech leaders, and policy makers, Bilal emphasized that Pakistan aims to position its youth not just as consumers but as builders of the global digital economy. With a population of over 240 million, more than 70% of whom are youth, he asserted that traditional economic models are no longer sufficient, and blockchain along with digital assets could lay the foundation for a new financial system, particularly for nations in the Global South.
Bilal Bin Saqib highlighted Pakistan’s shift from one of the world’s largest unregulated crypto markets to a structured and investment-friendly ecosystem. Under his leadership, Pakistan has established a dedicated Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority, introduced interim licensing, and initiated a phased regulatory framework.
He further noted that the next major wave of digital asset growth will arise from emerging economies, with Pakistan preparing to lead by example. The goal, he said, is to regulate and bring digital asset activity onshore, ensuring consumer protection, investor confidence, and developer support.
Bilal emphasized that the use of Bitcoin and digital assets in Pakistan is practical rather than theoretical, offering a hedge against currency depreciation, expanding financial access for the unbanked, and facilitating faster global payments—critical for Pakistan’s large freelancer community.
He concluded that responsible adoption of digital assets could drive economic growth, financial inclusion, and technological leadership, positioning Pakistan as a model for developing nations seeking to integrate digital finance into their economic future.
