akistan’s financial market is undergoing a transformative shift. Traditionally centred on real estate, gold and conservative investment instruments, the country is now experiencing a digital financial awakening. With growing access to the internet, mobile banking and global investment platforms, young Pakistanis are actively exploring cryptocurrency and forex trading as legitimate pathways to financial independence.

This change isn’t just about making money—it’s also about redefining how people in Pakistan interact with the global economy. At the forefront of this movement are people like Bilal Bin Saqib, Waqas Ahmed and Waqar Zaka, who are championing new financial frontiers and empowering a generation to take charge of their economic future.

Bilal Bin Saqib: leading the crypto revolution

Bilal, the CEO of the Pakistan Crypto Council and chief advisor to the finance minister, is a pivotal figure in shaping the country’s digital financial infrastructure. He is also an entrepreneur recognised by Forbes. In 2023, he was awarded an MBE (Member of the British Empire) for his outstanding contributions to entrepreneurship and innovation.

Bilal’s mission is to bring legitimacy, structure and global relevance to Pakistan’s crypto ecosystem. Under his leadership, the Pakistan Crypto Council is working closely with stakeholders to build regulatory frameworks that protect investors while encouraging innovation. His vision for financial inclusion through blockchain technology extends beyond trading; he envisions a decentralised economy that empowers the unbanked and underbanked population.

From hosting global panels to advising policymakers, Bilal is turning Pakistan into a rising force in the world of digital finance. His work serves as a roadmap for responsible crypto adoption and a testament to how emerging technologies can bring lasting economic change.

Waqas Ahmed: game-changing for-ex prodigy

While crypto dominates headlines, forex trading—the exchange of currencies in the global market—is another powerful avenue for financial independence. Waqas Ahmed, the CEO of Game of Forex a 24-year-old forex trader, has become a standout figure in this field.

Unlike many who chase short-term gains, Waqas focuses on curated techniques that maximise output while minimising risk. Initially, he faced significant losses and failed strategies due to a lack of proper mentorship. But refusing to give up, he turned things around by studying international traders and developing his technique, including technical analysis, market psychology and advanced risk management, allowing him to consistently outperform the market.

Today, Waqas mentors young traders across the country through Game of Forex, offering insights into sustainable trading practices and financial literacy. His success story serves as a blueprint for aspiring investors: with patience, education and a clear strategy, anyone can succeed in the digital financial space.

What makes Waqas’s journey unique is his commitment to transparency. He willingly shares his strategies, results and failures—creating a culture of honest, data-driven trading. His rise proves that financial freedom is possible for Pakistan’s youth, provided they approach trading with the right mindset.

Waqar Zaka: Pakistan’s first crypto advocate

Long before crypto gained mainstream traction, Waqar Zaka was its loudest and most consistent advocate in Pakistan. Known always for his energetic personality and fearless stance, initially he wasn’t taken seriously in tech circles. He persisted—spending years educating the public and pushing for legal reforms around cryptocurrency trading and mining to be recognised on an institutional level.

He took his advocacy to the courts, filing petitions in the Sindh High Court demanding the legalisation of crypto and the development of clear regulatory guidelines. His relentless efforts had a crucial role in opening dialogue with the State Bank of Pakistan and the government, making crypto a topic of serious policy consideration.

Waqar didn’t stop at activism. He also built mining farms and launched educational initiatives that introduced thousands of Pakistanis to blockchain technology. Through his Tehreek-e-Tech platform, he promotes digital freedom, financial independence, and innovation—especially for the youth often excluded from traditional career paths.

He insists that given the tools, education and the freedom to build, Pakistan can become a global leader in crypto.

A future powered by digital finance

Pakistan’s financial evolution is no longer a remote possibility—it’s a reality. With individuals like Bilal Bin Saqib setting policy, Waqar Zaka shifting mindsets and Waqas Ahmed showing results, the future looks bright for those ready to embrace digital finance. The government needs to rope in more people like Waqas Ahmed and Waqar Zaka.

Crypto and forex trading are not “get-rich-quick” schemes. They require effort, discipline and strategic thinking and are subject to market risks. Caution and education are essential. For those willing to invest in knowledge and take calculated risks, the rewards can be life-changing.

In a country where traditional career paths no longer guarantee stability, digital finance offers a new route—one where people can be their own bosses, diversify income and connect with global markets. Financial independence is no longer a distant dream. It’s just a few smart trades away.

The writer is the founder and CEO of Digital Home Communications.