Pakistan, US discuss bitcoin integration into financial frameworks

WASHINGTON: Pakistan and the US have discussed strategies on digital assets and explored the integration of Bitcoin into broader financial frameworks.

Pakistan’s Minister of State for Crypto and Blockchain Bilal Bin Saqib met with Robert ‘Bo’ Hines, the executive director of US President Donald Trump’s Council on Digital Assets at the White House. Hines, appointed by Trump in January 2025, is pivotal in shaping national policies on digital asset innovation and regulation, collaborating with Council Chair David Sacks to position the US as a leader in cryptocurrency initiatives.

During the meeting, both Saqib and Hines expressed a mutual interest in fostering collaboration between the US and Pakistan on digital asset innovation, regulatory coherence and emerging financial technologies. They also explored avenues to support innovation ecosystems aimed at empowering youth and accelerating economic inclusion through blockchain technology. Fur thermore, Saqib also held a separate meeting with the White House Counsel’s Office.

This high-profile discussion comes on the heels of Pakistan’s announcement of its Strategic Bitcoin Reserve (SBR) at the Bitcoin 2025 Conference in Las Vegas. The meeting also marks a significant step for the country as it becomes one of the first Asian nations to adopt Bitcoin within its sovereign asset strategy, signaling a new era for digital finance in the region. “I envision Pakistan to be a leader in the Global South for Digital Assets,” stated Saqib. “From launching our Strategic Bitcoin Reserve to unlocking national infrastructure for crypto mining and AI data zones, Pakistan is building a real framework for digital asset adoption and economic modernisation.”

Pakistan’s ambitious digital asset strategy includes a plan to allocate 2,000MW to power Bitcoin mining and AI-driven data zones. This initiative aims to convert surplus energy into economic growth, create new jobs and bolster digital infrastructure within the country.