2025: A Year of Bold Governmental Moves in the Crypto World — Pakistan Launches Its Strategic Bitcoin Reserve
The year 2025 is shaping up to be a period of significant governmental strides in the world of cryptocurrencies. Among the most notable moves comes from Pakistan. On May 28, 2025, during the Bitcoin 2025 Conference held in Las Vegas, the Pakistani government officially announced the establishment of its own Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.
The announcement was made by Bilal Bin Saqib, Chairman of the Pakistan Crypto Council and Special Advisor to the Prime Minister on Crypto and Blockchain. Saqib’s statements represent not just a new economic vision, but a clear break from the past:
“Pakistan is no longer defined by its past. It is being reborn as a forward-looking hub of digital innovation, empowered by its youth, sharpened by necessity, and led by a new generation of tech-savvy statesmen.”
National Bitcoin Wallet and a No-Sell Commitment
This reserve will be held in a national Bitcoin wallet established by the government. Saqib emphasized that these Bitcoins will not be sold and carry no speculative intent:
“This is not a trade; it’s a strategic asset plan. We will hold these Bitcoins and never sell them.”
This statement signals that the government views digital assets not as vehicles for short-term profit but as instruments of long-term economic security and technological strategy.
Inspired by the U.S., Acted on by Pakistan
Pakistan’s decision came shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to establish a strategic Bitcoin reserve in March 2025. Bilal Bin Saqib noted that Pakistan was directly inspired by this move. The similarity highlights how nation-states are increasingly incorporating digital assets into their reserve strategies.
It also marks a sharp departure from Pakistan’s previously cautious stance on cryptocurrencies. A government that once said “crypto will never be legal” has now transformed into a nation establishing a Bitcoin reserve on the global stage.
2,000 Megawatts of Energy Allocated for Crypto Mining
In addition to the strategic reserve, the Pakistani government announced plans to allocate 2,000 megawatts of surplus electricity for Bitcoin mining and high-performance AI data centers. This initiative serves three primary goals:
- Utilizing idle energy resources
- Creating technology-driven employment
- Attracting foreign investment
Due to high electricity tariffs and the widespread use of solar energy, the surplus is now being turned into an advantage. With this step, Pakistan aims to become a new regional hub for mining and data center investments.
Digital Asset Authority and a New Wave of Regulation
The Pakistani government is not only investing in reserves and infrastructure but also taking steps to build a comprehensive regulatory framework. The Ministry of Finance has approved the establishment of a new institution called the Pakistan Digital Asset Authority (PDAA). This authority will license and regulate:
- Cryptocurrency exchanges
- Digital asset custody services
- Tokenization platforms
- DeFi applications
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb stated that the PDAA will also play an active role in areas such as blockchain-based debt instruments, tokenization of state assets, and the development of decentralized finance infrastructure.
International Partnerships: Binance Founder Joins as Advisor
The Pakistan Crypto Council is placing significant emphasis on global collaboration during this transformation. Among the Council’s advisors is Binance co-founder Changpeng Zhao. Appointed as a strategic advisor in April 2025, Zhao has since been supporting Pakistan in blockchain infrastructure, crypto regulation, and the adoption of digital assets.
From Crypto Rejection to Global Crypto Player
Pakistan’s establishment of a strategic Bitcoin reserve is not merely symbolic—it marks a structural policy shift. Crypto-friendly regulations, the integration of national energy resources with new technologies, and comprehensive regulatory initiatives all have the potential to position Pakistan as a regional digital asset hub.
Once known for its bans, Pakistan now wants to be recognized for its Bitcoin reserve.
