Pakistan forms crypto council to regulate digital currencies

Islamabad’s finance ministry established the Pakistan Crypto Council to assess the potential legalization of cryptocurrencies in the country on Friday.

The decision follows a meeting between Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and a foreign delegation, which included advisors to former US President Donald Trump. This move signals Pakistan’s shift toward regulating and integrating digital assets into its financial system.

Council’s Objectives and Leadership

The Pakistan Crypto Council aims to develop clear regulations, collaborate with global blockchain organizations, and drive innovation in the country’s financial technology sector.

According to the Ministry of Finance, the federal finance minister Muhammad Aurangzeb will head the council. Additionally, Bilal Bin Saqib, chief advisor to the finance minister on the Pakistan Crypto Council, has been appointed as the CEO of the council. With extensive experience in blockchain technology, investment strategies, and digital innovation, Saqib is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping Pakistan’s crypto policies.

Key Members of the Council

The Pakistan Crypto Council will include several high-ranking officials:

• The Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP)
• The Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP)
• The Federal Secretary for Law
• The Federal Secretary for Information Technology

Primary Goals of the Pakistan Crypto Council

The newly formed council has outlined four major objectives:

• Regulatory Framework – Establish clear cryptocurrency regulations to streamline adoption in Pakistan.
• Global Integration – Partner with international blockchain and crypto organizations to implement global best practices.
• Innovation & Investment – Encourage fintech startups, investors, and blockchain developers to promote responsible innovation in digital finance.
• Consumer Protection – Develop strong legal and compliance mechanisms to ensure financial security and prevent fraud.

With these steps, Pakistan is positioning itself as a key player in the evolving digital finance landscape.

Read More: Who is Bilal Bin Saqib? FinMin’s chief adviser on crypto council