Pakistan Explores Bitcoin Reserves in Talks with Saylor

Michael Saylor, executive chairman of Strategy, met with Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and State Minister for Blockchain and Crypto Bilal Bin Saqib on June 15, 2025, in Islamabad to discuss integrating Bitcoin into the country’s financial system. 

The meeting focused on establishing Bitcoin as a state reserve and moving Pakistan’s cryptocurrency policies forward. Saylor, a key Bitcoin advocate, leads Strategy, which holds 582,000 BTC—valued at over $62 billion—making it the world’s largest corporate holders of BTC, according to Bitbo data.

BTC Public Holders (Source: Bitbo)

Saylor Meets Pakistani Officials to Discuss Bitcoin Integration

Pakistan is increasing its cryptocurrency efforts, having established the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA) in May 2025. 

On June 6, 2025, the Pakistan Crypto Council, established by Saqib, had submitted a draft legal framework for digital assets, which the Finance Ministry is expediting. 

Saylor’s involvement is seen as a critical step towards positioning Pakistan as a digital asset leader in the Global South. In a video posted on X, Saylor emphasized trust and leadership when he stated, “Markets gave us billions because they trust us,” predicting capital inflows to Pakistan on the strength of its proactive response.

Pakistan’s Crypto Strategy and Saylor’s Advisory Role

Pakistan’s push into cryptocurrencies intends to boost financial autonomy at a time of increased challenges such as foreign exchange shortages and IMF oversight. The country plans to create a BTC reserve, with Saylor providing strategic guidance. Strategy’s success, whose share price has risen over 3,000% since its 2020 Bitcoin investments, serves as a reference point for Pakistan’s goals. 

Saylor is advising on policies to establish Pakistan as a Web3 and Bitcoin-ready market.

Bilal Bin Saqib, CEO of the Pakistan Crypto Council, founded in March 2025, and an advisor to World Liberty Financial, brings international connections to the initiative. The council is leading Pakistan’s legislative basis for crypto. 

Saqib stated on X that Saylor’s involvement could “redefine Pakistan’s financial future.” 

However, some analysts warned that policy implementation faces several difficulties, with IMF restrictions and underdeveloped on-chain markets, and has to be approached carefully.

Potential Impact on Pakistan and Global Crypto Trends

Saylor’s interest has drawn attention, with the community saying, “Pakistan is up next for Bitcoin.”

State-run media coverage by PTV News and Dawn improves Pakistan’s legitimacy for the decision. Pakistan is also exploring Bitcoin to address energy challenges, with a proposed 2,000-megawatt mining project to use surplus electricity.

A successful Bitcoin reserve would improve Pakistan’s financial stability and attract foreign investment, though IMF challenges pose challenges. 

Globally, Saylor’s involvement shows a growing trend of nation-states adopting the Bitcoin reserves approach, following El Salvador’s example.