ISLAMABAD, February 26, 2025 – An advisor to US President Donald Trump participated in a high-level meeting on digital assets held in Pakistan. The meeting, attended by various international delegates, including President Trump’s advisors for digital assets, underscored the growing global significance of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology.
The Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, chaired the discussions, which included Minister of State for IT & Telecom, Ms. Shaza Fatima Khawaja, the Governor of the State Bank, Secretary Finance, and Secretary IT & Telecom. The presence of President Trump’s advisor highlighted the collaborative nature of the meeting and its potential impact on Pakistan’s digital financial ecosystem.
Key topics included the rapid global evolution of cryptocurrency, the increasing adoption of digital assets, and regulatory frameworks aligned with international best practices. The advisor from the US provided insights into the US government’s policies on digital assets and their potential implications for emerging markets like Pakistan.
A major focus of the meeting was financial security, risk mitigation, and the economic impact of digital assets. Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb emphasized the necessity of a well-regulated framework that aligns Pakistan with global standards and Financial Action Task Force (FATF) guidelines. He reiterated the government’s commitment to integrating blockchain technology into the financial sector and modernizing economic transactions.
Discussions also revolved around tokenization of key infrastructure and state-owned enterprises (SOEs) to improve liquidity, attract broader investor participation, and enhance capital market efficiency. President Trump’s advisor expressed interest in Pakistan’s growing digital asset market, which currently has over 20 million active users facing challenges such as high transaction fees.
To address these issues, the Finance Minister reaffirmed his commitment to developing a regulatory framework that ensures transparency, economic viability, and security against financial crimes. He directed stakeholders to formulate a comprehensive policy that encourages innovation while maintaining strict oversight.
As part of these efforts, the government is considering establishing a National Crypto Council, which will serve as a dedicated advisory body. This council will include representatives from regulatory authorities, industry experts, and government officials. It will oversee policy development, address regulatory challenges, and ensure Pakistan’s digital asset ecosystem aligns with international standards. The council will also collaborate with friendly nations to create standardized frameworks for cross-border digital economic engagement.
The meeting concluded with a consensus on adopting a balanced approach—one that fosters investment and innovation in digital assets while maintaining rigorous regulatory compliance. President Trump’s advisor reiterated the importance of global cooperation in digital asset regulation and expressed optimism about Pakistan’s role in shaping the future of this evolving financial sector.