Minister of State for Crypto and Blockchain Bilal bin Saqib met with Robert ‘Bo’ Hines, executive director of the Trump Digital Assets Council, to discuss enhanced Pak-US cooperation in the rapidly evolving domain of digital assets.
The high-level meeting took place at the White House, where both sides engaged in an in-depth dialogue on key areas such as Bitcoin, crypto mining, decentralized infrastructure, and digital finance frameworks.
Highlighting Pakistan’s strategic ambitions, Bilal bin Saqib expressed the country's determination to lead the Global South in the digital assets sector. “Pakistan is laying the groundwork for a practical and forward-looking framework that includes the development of a strategic Bitcoin reserve, designated crypto mining zones, and AI data infrastructure,” he said.
The minister emphasized the importance of fostering international cooperation to modernize digital economies, stating, “This is not just about catching up — it's about positioning Pakistan as a global innovator in digital finance.”
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The two leaders agreed on the need for increased collaboration between Pakistan and the United States in the fields of blockchain technology, crypto regulation, and digital economic policy. The Trump Digital Assets Council, which plays an influential role in shaping the digital finance agenda in the US, welcomed Pakistan’s proactive engagement.
On the other, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has expressed serious concern over Pakistan’s recent announcement to allocate 2,000 megawatts of electricity for cryptocurrency mining and artificial intelligence data centres as virtual talks between the two sides continue amid sensitive budget talks.
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The IMF’s reservations come days after Pakistan unveiled its first strategic Bitcoin reserve during the Bitcoin Vegas 2025 conference, signalling an ambitious pivot towards digital finance.
Speaking at the event, Bilal bin Saqib said the country had launched a national Bitcoin wallet and committed significant energy resources to support the digital asset ecosystem.
“Our youth are online and on-chain. Pakistan, with over 40 million crypto wallets and an average age of 23 years, is now being recognised for its future rather than its past,” Bilal bin Saqib told the international audience.
