Pakistan Plans Government-Led Bitcoin Reserve, Eyes National Crypto Strategy
In a bold move toward embracing digital assets, Pakistan is establishing a government-backed strategic Bitcoin reserve, according to Bilal Bin Saqib, CEO of the Pakistan Crypto Council. The announcement was made at the Bitcoin 2025 conference in Las Vegas, signaling Pakistan’s ambition to join a growing number of nations building sovereign Bitcoin holdings.
“This wallet, the national Bitcoin wallet, is not for speculation or hype,” Bin Saqib emphasized during his speech. “We will be holding these Bitcoins and we will never, ever sell them.”
Although details on the volume of Bitcoin to be held and the method of acquisition remain undisclosed, the initiative marks a significant pivot for Pakistan’s approach to digital finance. The news comes on the heels of Bin Saqib’s recent appointment as special assistant to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on blockchain and crypto, underscoring a shift in national priorities.
Crypto and AI at the Heart of a New Tech Strategy
Beyond the Bitcoin reserve, Pakistan is also preparing to make major investments in blockchain infrastructure and energy. According to Bin Saqib, the country intends to allocate 2,000 megawatts of energy capacity for Bitcoin mining operations and AI data centers—a dual approach that ties the future of cryptocurrency to broader tech development.
Additionally, officials are exploring the tokenization of illiquid national assets and using blockchain technology to enhance government efficiency, hinting at a wide-ranging digital transformation strategy.
This follows a May announcement from Pakistan’s Ministry of Finance regarding the formation of the Pakistan Digital Assets Authority, tasked with overseeing and regulating the country’s crypto landscape.
Taking Inspiration from Global Leaders
Bin Saqib noted that Pakistan’s direction was partially inspired by recent U.S. efforts to institutionalize Bitcoin, including an executive order from former President Donald Trump advocating for a national Bitcoin reserve. “We want to thank the United States of America again, for we are getting inspired from them,” he said.
The U.S. government currently holds approximately 200,000 Bitcoins, largely accumulated through seizures and forfeiture, making it one of the largest state holders alongside China.
El Salvador remains the first country to officially adopt Bitcoin as legal tender, holding over $660 million worth of the cryptocurrency. Pakistan’s entry into this arena places it among a small but growing club of nations exploring crypto as part of their national asset strategy.