- Pakistan’s Finance Ministry is working with U.S. crypto executives to form a National Crypto Council.
- The council aims to regulate the crypto market, lower fees, and adopt global compliance standards.
- Plans include converting government assets into digital tokens to expand investor access and unlock capital.
Pakistan is preparing to launch a National Crypto Council in a shift away from past restrictions on digital assets. The initiative, led by the Ministry of Finance, signals a strategic attempt to regulate the country’s growing crypto space. The effort includes collaboration with prominent U.S. crypto executives, including individuals with prior ties to the Trump administration.
According to a post on X by the Pakistan Crypto Council official account, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb met with a U.S. delegation in Islamabad to discuss regulatory development.
The group included Gentry Beach Jr., blockchain expert Nikita Goldsmith, Web3 entrepreneur Jerad Finck, and consultant Alex Malkov. These figures participated in shaping the council’s framework, according to local reports. The U.S. Embassy did not release an official statement regarding the meeting.
The talks centered on building a structured, transparent system for digital asset governance. The finance minister urged participants to approach crypto with an open mind and focus on regulatory clarity. The council is expected to include government officials, regulators, and industry representatives.
Pakistan Shifts from Restrictions to Structured Oversight
In early 2022, Pakistan’s central bank maintained a restrictive stance toward crypto. Officials discouraged public involvement, citing risks of fraud and instability. However, current leadership has taken a new direction, seeking to transition from informal use to a regulated ecosystem. Over 20 million Pakistanis are already participating in crypto, increasing pressure to create cost-effective, legal frameworks.
The council aims to reduce transaction fees and support safer market access. Authorities also plan to adopt anti-financial crime guidelines modeled after FATF standards. International cooperation with crypto-friendly nations is also being explored to align with global compliance practices.
Council to Support Asset Tokenization and Wider Participation
The proposed council will also examine converting government-held assets into digital tokens. This approach could increase liquidity and broaden access to capital markets. Officials see tokenization as a potential step toward modernizing Pakistan’s financial system.
The model could also expand opportunities for small investors by lowering entry barriers. The inclusion of U.S. blockchain professionals reflects growing international engagement with Pakistan’s regulatory planning.
With nations like the U.S., UAE, and EU developing crypto laws, Pakistan is moving to formalize its position. The National Crypto Council is now positioned as a key part of that transition. The Finance Ministry has not released a timeline for the council’s formation, but internal planning is underway.
