Pakistan Moves Toward Crypto Regulation with New Advisory Council

With 20 million active crypto users, Pakistan is taking steps to legalize cryptocurrency, with the finance ministry considering the creation of a National Crypto Council. As per local reports, this move came after a meeting between Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and US delegation described as “Trump advisers for digital assets.” The proposed council aims to develop policies, address regulatory challenges, and ensure compliance with global financial standards.

However, the US Embassy did not officially announce the visit, but sources say the meeting focused on cryptocurrency’s global rise and how Pakistan can capitalize on it. They also discussed converting major government projects into digital assets to attract more investors.

This development coincided with India’s decision to establish a regulated cryptocurrency framework, and it’s not just India that’s embracing the trillion-dollar industry. Countries like Russia, Japan, and China are changing their crypto stance in 2025. Under Trump’s rule, Bitcoin is getting all the spotlight in the US, which is all set to create the biggest Bitcoin reserve to deal with the financial crisis.

Foreign Delegates Push for Crypto Adoption

The visiting US delegation included Gentry Beach Jr., Nikita Goldsmith, Alex Malkov, and Jerad Finck—figures with strong ties to blockchain, fintech, and U.S. investment circles. Their presence highlights a growing international interest in Pakistan’s digital asset landscape. Previously, Gentry Beach had assured Pakistan’s Prime Minister of over $1 billion in investments, signaling potential foreign capital inflows.

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Shift in Government Stance

Until recently, Pakistan’s government and central bank were strongly opposed to cryptocurrency. However, Finance Minister Aurangzeb has now called for a fresh approach, aligning Pakistan with international best practices and Financial Action Task Force (FATF) guidelines. Discussions centered around financial security, risk mitigation, and the role of digital assets in the economy.

The talks also explored tokenizing state-owned enterprises to boost liquidity and efficiency in capital markets. With over 20 million active crypto users in Pakistan facing high transaction costs, the government sees a need for a structured framework to regulate and support the sector.

Balancing Innovation and Regulation

With the growing fear of illegal activities, Aurangzeb asked a balanced approach—encouraging investment and innovation while maintaining strict oversight to prevent financial crimes. The meeting concluded with a commitment to developing a comprehensive regulatory framework that ensures security, transparency, and economic viability in Pakistan’s digital asset space.