State Minister says Pakistan’s digital assets strategy prioritizes national interests while positioning the country as a global contributor to emerging financial regulations.
Pakistan is pursuing a national-first approach to digital assets as it seeks to establish itself among the countries shaping the future of global finance, according to Minister of State and Chairman of the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA), Bilal Bin Saqib.
Speaking at the Point Zero Forum 2026 in Zurich, Switzerland, Bilal Bin Saqib said the world is witnessing a historic transformation in financial systems, with digital assets, blockchain technology, and evolving payment mechanisms redefining how money moves across borders.
He stressed that Pakistan is determined to be an active participant in drafting the policies that will govern this new financial era.
“Our approach is Pakistan-first,” Bilal Bin Saqib said, adding that the country is committed to building a regulatory framework that promotes innovation while safeguarding national economic interests.
He remarked that as financial rules continue to evolve worldwide, Pakistan intends to contribute to the development of responsible and future-ready digital finance standards.
The minister highlighted Pakistan’s rapid progress in cryptocurrency adoption, pointing out that the country secured third place globally in the 2025 Chainalysis Global Crypto Adoption Index for grassroots adoption.
He credited this achievement to Pakistan’s large youth population, expanding digital economy, and one of the world’s most active freelance workforces, which increasingly relies on modern financial technologies.
Bilal Bin Saqib noted that these strengths provide Pakistan with a unique opportunity to emerge as a regional leader in digital finance.
He emphasized that a balanced regulatory environment can encourage investment, stimulate innovation, and ensure compliance with international best practices without compromising financial stability.
The remarks came during the Point Zero Forum, an annual international gathering jointly organized by the Global Finance and Technology Network (GFTN) and Switzerland’s State Secretariat for International Finance.
The event is widely regarded as one of the leading platforms for discussions on financial innovation, regulation, and emerging technologies.
Pakistan’s participation at the forum underscores the government’s growing emphasis on digital transformation and its ambition to position the country as a credible stakeholder in shaping the future of the international digital financial ecosystem.
