Pakistan Makes Crypto History with 2025 BTC Sovereign Reserve Launch

In a move that sent shockwaves through traditional finance circles, Pakistan’s government just staked its claim in the digital asset revolution.

The headline grabber? A freshly minted national Bitcoin reserve—backed by a cool 2,025 BTC—unveiled at a high-profile event in Islamabad.

Breaking the mold: While IMF loan conditions still haunt the rupee, this vault of digital gold positions Pakistan among crypto’s early sovereign adopters. Never mind that most central bankers still think Satoshi is a sushi order.

The fine print: No details yet on custody solutions or whether this ’reserve’ will actually be used for transactions—or just sit there looking pretty on a balance sheet. Because nothing says financial innovation like hoarding volatile assets at taxpayer expense.

Pakistan’s embrace of cryptocurrency reflects a broader trend among nations aligning their digital asset strategies with the pro-crypto stance advanced under the Trump administration in the United States.

Laying the Groundwork for Pakistan’s Bitcoin Reserve

In March, Saqib proposed leveraging Pakistan’s surplus energy for Bitcoin mining, suggesting that redirecting unused electricity toward digital asset production could offer a pathway to economic development.

“This is the beginning of a new digital chapter for our economy. We are committed to building a transparent, future-ready financial ecosystem that attracts investment, empowers our youth, and puts Pakistan on the global map as a leader in emerging technologies,” Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb then stated.

Pakistan’s stance on digital assets has undergone a dramatic transformation, marked by the formation of the Crypto Council and the introduction of regulatory reforms. 

Once staunchly opposed to legalizing cryptocurrencies, the government had maintained its position as recently as May 2023, when then-Minister of State for Finance and Revenue Aisha Ghaus Pasha reaffirmed that digital assets WOULD not be permitted—citing concerns over anti-money laundering compliance and obligations to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

That position shifted significantly following the U.S. presidential elections. On November 4, 2024, Pakistan moved to formally recognize cryptocurrencies as legal tender by amending the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Act—a clear signal of its pivot toward embracing digital finance.

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Michaela has no crypto positions and does not hold any crypto assets. This article is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. The Shib Magazine and The Shib Daily are the official media and publications of the shiba inu cryptocurrency project. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial adviser before making any investment decisions.