Pakistan Seeks to Harness Blockchain Potential for Economic Growth
The government of Pakistan is taking steps to capitalize on the growing trend of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology. With its young, tech-savvy population and growing fintech industry, the country has a favorable position to benefit from a regulated digital asset sector.
Pakistan already has several advantages that make it an attractive location for digital finance. The country's over 2.3 million freelancers generated USD 1.76 billion in foreign exchange during FY2025-26, up 78 percent from USD 984 million in FY2024-25. The strong digital exports and remittance inflows highlight the importance of faster and more efficient transnational payment systems.
The public interest in digital assets is growing rapidly, with around 40 million crypto users. According to Bilal Bin Saqib, CEO of the Pakistan Crypto Council, this provides a foundation for expanding blockchain applications beyond cryptocurrency trading into financial services, digital payments, emerging technologies, healthcare, supply chains and public-sector services.
A balanced regulatory framework can encourage investment, promote entrepreneurship and strengthen Pakistan's position in the global digital economy. The country has already taken steps towards regulation with the establishment of the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA) and the introduction of a legal framework for virtual assets and service providers.