Pakistan’s finance minister stresses digital infrastructure, skills development, cashless payments and regulated virtual assets to support sustainable growth.
Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb has highlighted digital transformation as an important part of Pakistan’s transition from economic stabilisation towards sustainable growth.
Aurangzeb made the remarks while participating in the Digital Cooperation Organization’s (DCO) High-Level Ministerial Dialogue during his visit to New York for the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
The finance minister highlighted Pakistan’s focus on developing digital public infrastructure and cashless payment systems, while stressing that greater connectivity must be supported by investment in human capital.
He said upskilling and reskilling would be important to help freelancers and other digital workers move into higher-value services and expand their contribution to the digital economy.
Pakistan has also been working on a regulatory framework for virtual assets as adoption of digital financial technologies increases. During his New York engagements, Aurangzeb highlighted the country’s efforts towards legislation, oversight and licensing in the emerging virtual-assets sector.
The minister also pointed to potential applications of virtual assets and blockchain technology beyond cryptocurrency. These include making remittance transfers cheaper and more efficient, as well as exploring the tokenisation of public debt and real estate.
Pakistan has previously discussed the potential tokenisation of sovereign debt instruments, with the government examining possible structures, regulatory requirements and implementation pathways.
Aurangzeb has also stressed that tokenisation should address practical economic needs, including cheaper remittances, SME financing, sovereign debt and broader financial access.
The minister called for closer cooperation among DCO member states to share successful approaches, exchange knowledge and create opportunities for investment in the digital economy.
The government has increasingly positioned digital infrastructure, financial technology and emerging technologies as part of its broader economic reform agenda. Aurangzeb has previously emphasised the importance of skills development and advanced digital competencies in enabling Pakistani workers to participate in higher-value segments of the global technology economy.
The discussions in New York come as Pakistan seeks to expand digital payments, strengthen financial inclusion and establish a regulated environment for emerging digital assets while attracting investment and supporting technology-driven economic activity.