tl;dr
Pakistan plans to launch a strategic Bitcoin reserve, announced Bilal Bin Saqib, special assistant to the prime minister on blockchain and cryptocurrency, at the Bitcoin 2025 conference. Inspired by the U.S., which has over 198,000 BTC in reserves mostly from criminal seizures, Pakistan is also allo...
Pakistan plans to establish a strategic Bitcoin reserve, drawing inspiration from similar initiatives in the United States. This was announced by Bilal Bin Saqib, the special assistant to the prime minister on blockchain and cryptocurrency, at the Bitcoin 2025 conference.
The country is allocating 2,000 MW of surplus electricity toward Bitcoin mining and AI data centers to generate revenue, create jobs, and attract foreign investment. This move signals Pakistan's serious commitment to embracing cryptocurrency technology.
In the U.S., the government holds over 198,000 BTC, mostly acquired through criminal seizures, with a current estimated value of $21.2 billion. Under President Trump’s administration, an executive order was signed to establish a strategic Bitcoin reserve, showcasing strong governmental support for the crypto industry. Legislation is also advancing to bolster the digital asset sector and reduce regulatory hurdles for major crypto firms.
El Salvador pioneered making Bitcoin legal tender under President Nayib Bukele and now holds over 6,000 BTC in its reserves. Despite opposition from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which has pressured the country to halt Bitcoin purchases as part of a loan agreement, El Salvador’s bold move has influenced other nations to consider similar Bitcoin reserve strategies.
Pakistan’s emerging Bitcoin reserve plan is part of a broader global trend where countries explore digital assets as a tool to stimulate economic growth, diversify reserves, and embrace technological innovation. As this landscape evolves, investors and policymakers alike watch closely to gauge the impact of state-backed Bitcoin holdings on the cryptocurrency market and the wider financial ecosystem.