Introduction
On March 14, 2025, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif formally announced the formation of the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC), signalling a change in thinking in Pakistan’s approach to digital finance.[1] Historically wary of cryptocurrencies, Pakistan is now embracing blockchain and digital assets as tools for economic modernization, innovation, and financial inclusion. With over $20 billion in crypto holdings by 2022[2] and an estimated 15 to 20 million users[3], public enthusiasm has outpaced institutional readiness. The establishment of the PCC aims to align national policy with this growing momentum. Pakistan is studying international precedents to shape its regulatory path and is adopting a cautious, phased strategy that emphasizes legal clarity and consumer protection.
