Pakistan Has Immense Potential to Create Digital Assets: Bilal bin Saqib

**Islamabad:** Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on Blockchain and Crypto, Bilal bin Saqib, has said that Pakistan has enormous potential in the creation and adoption of digital assets, noting that between 30 to 40 million Pakistanis are already using digital assets.

According to a private TV channel, Dunya News, Bilal bin Saqib stated during a press conference in Islamabad that, for the first time in the country’s history, a structured, transparent, and globally compliant pathway has been opened for crypto exchanges. He described this step as a reflection of a new mindset and a major institutional reform.

He said that the issuance of No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to Binance and HTX represents a practical move towards progressive policymaking. Under the new framework, monitoring of anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) will be possible. He added that leading global financial centers follow similar phased regulatory models and that Pakistan ranks among the world’s top three countries in crypto adoption.

Bilal bin Saqib emphasized that timely and correct decisions must be taken in line with the global financial system, stating that without a legal and regulated framework, available potential cannot be fully utilized.

He further said that 30 to 40 million Pakistanis are already using digital assets, highlighting the country’s vast capacity for digital asset adoption. He noted that the global bond market, valued at around $100 trillion, is gradually moving towards digital rails, and the new framework will benefit not only trading but also various industries.

The special assistant said that Pakistan would strengthen its technological sovereignty over the next 10 years and stressed that the country’s future should not be imported but built domestically. He praised Pakistan’s youth as world-class, stating that innovation cannot be ignored or eliminated and that sound policies are essential to harness it.

Bilal bin Saqib added that Pakistan possesses opportunities that very few countries enjoy and reiterated the government’s intention to regulate crypto. He said talent can only be fully utilized when supported by a proper legal structure, and the government must provide clear pathways for skilled individuals.

He concluded by saying that the framework is not limited to trading alone but is aimed at preparing Pakistan for the industries of 2050, with the goal of enabling Pakistani youth to become global experts rather than mere consumers.