Pakistan showcases digital asset ambitions at Bitcoin MENA 2025 Conference
PSMU Monitoring Desk
Dubai: Pakistan made a significant impact on the global digital asset stage at the Bitcoin MENA 2025 conference, where Bilal bin Saqib, Chairman of the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA), presented the country’s ambitious plans for a structured and globally aligned digital asset ecosystem.
Held in Dubai, the event attracted more than 7,000 participants, including key players from over 40 countries, marking it as the largest gathering of Bitcoin and digital asset leaders in the region. Bilal’s participation in a high-profile panel with Derar Islim, COO of Antalpha, offered a powerful platform for Pakistan to signal its readiness for compliant innovation, long-term partnerships, and strategic growth in the digital economy.
In front of an engaged and diverse audience, Bilal outlined Pakistan’s vision for integrating Bitcoin and digital assets into its economic infrastructure. He emphasized that Pakistan is not simply chasing the future, but is actively shaping it through cutting-edge technology. With a population where over 70% are under the age of 30, Bilal stressed that Pakistan’s youth are poised to transition from consumers to creators, positioning blockchain and digital assets as vital financial rails for the future of the Global South.
“Digital assets are not just speculative tools in Pakistan; they are solutions to real economic challenges,” said Bilal. He highlighted how Bitcoin and digital assets are already being adopted organically by millions of Pakistanis who face currency volatility, lack of access to financial services, and the need for fast, global payments. With one of the world’s largest freelancer populations, the benefits of decentralised finance have resonated with Pakistan’s digital-savvy youth.
Pakistan’s government is rapidly moving to establish regulatory clarity for digital assets. Bilal discussed the government’s efforts to transform Pakistan from one of the world’s largest unregulated crypto markets into a compliant and investment-friendly environment. He assured the audience that the country’s strategy is driven by the need for a well-defined framework that attracts global investments while protecting consumers and fostering innovation.
Bilal’s address also underscored the economic potential of digital assets in emerging markets like Pakistan. “The next wave of digital asset and Bitcoin adoption will not come from traditional financial centers,” he noted. “It will come from countries like Pakistan, where the economic need for digital innovation is pressing and can create transformative impacts.” He argued that nations in the Global South, particularly Pakistan, are well-positioned to leverage energy-backed mining, open-source development, and technology-led growth to carve out a prominent role in the global digital economy.
