Pakistan Seeks Bitcoin Leadership with Saylor's Support

Michael Saylor, the executive chairman of Strategy, has engaged in discussions with Pakistani officials to support the country's shift towards cryptocurrency and digital assets. Saylor, a prominent advocate for Bitcoin, has commended Pakistan's efforts to embrace digital assets and has highlighted the potential of Bitcoin to bolster the country's monetary resilience. Strategy, under Saylor's leadership, holds the largest corporate Bitcoin reserves globally, with approximately 582,000 BTC valued at over $62 billion as of June 2025.

Pakistan has made significant strides in integrating cryptocurrency into its financial system. In March 2025, the country established the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC) to develop a legal framework for cryptocurrency trading, aiming to attract international investment. This was followed by the introduction of a policy framework in April, which set rules for the operation of digital money and related companies in compliance with global Financial Action Task Force (FATF) guidelines. Additionally, the government approved the establishment of the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA) to oversee blockchain-based financial infrastructure and unveiled a government-led strategic Bitcoin reserve at the Bitcoin 2025 conference in Las Vegas.

During his discussions with Pakistani officials, including Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and Minister of State for Crypto and Blockchain Bilal Bin Saqib, Saylor emphasized the long-term benefits of Bitcoin for national resilience. He praised Pakistan's forward-looking stance on digital assets and expressed his willingness to advise and support the country's ongoing developments in this area. Saylor's involvement is seen as a significant boost for Pakistan's efforts to lead the Global South in the development and adoption of digital assets, setting a benchmark for innovation, regulation, and inclusive growth in the digital economy.

Saylor met with Pakistani officials on Sunday and discussed how Bitcoin can function in a state reserve and the country’s planned crypto policies. He welcomed the opportunity to serve as an advisor, highlighting Pakistan's intellectual leadership and the potential for the country to attract significant capital and capability. Saylor's Strategy has sold billions of dollars worth of debt and shares to fund its Bitcoin purchases, and its share price has soared over 3,000% since its first purchase in mid-2020.

Pakistan's shift towards a more crypto-friendly environment includes the establishment of a crypto authority to regulate digital assets. Saqib has stated that the country aims to create a Bitcoin reserve, aligning with its goal to lead the Global South in digital asset development. Saylor's advice to Pakistan underscores the importance of leadership and intellectual prowess in attracting global capital and capability. He emphasized that if the world trusts Pakistan's vision and leadership, the necessary resources will flow to support its digital asset initiatives.

Saqib's office described the meeting with Saylor as a milestone in Pakistan's efforts to build a robust digital assets policy framework. The country aims to position itself as a Web3 and Bitcoin-ready emerging market, with a commitment to leading the Global South in digital asset adoption. Saqib encouraged Pakistan to follow Saylor's example of turning Strategy into a Bitcoin-buying vehicle, highlighting the country's talent, story, and energy.

Earlier this month, the government-backed Pakistan Crypto Council presented a draft legal framework, which the Finance Ministry agreed to fast-track the approval process for. The crypto council was created in March, with Saqib installed as CEO. Saqib is also an adviser to World Liberty Financial, a crypto platform linked to US President Donald Trump and his family.

The collaboration between Saylor and Pakistani officials highlights the country's dedication to leveraging digital currencies to enhance its financial resilience and digital economy. As Pakistan continues to explore the potential of Bitcoin and other digital assets, Saylor's expertise and support are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the country's cryptocurrency landscape. This partnership aims to foster innovation, regulation, and inclusive growth in the digital economy, positioning Pakistan as a leader in the Global South's digital asset development.