PCC holds talks with Bitcoin pioneer Michael Saylor

Pakistani officials held discussions this week with US billionaire and Bitcoin advocate Michael Saylor on the potential use of digital currencies to strengthen Pakistan’s financial resilience and digital economy, according to a statement released on Sunday. The talks were held between Saylor and Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, alongside Minister of State for Crypto and Blockchain Bilal Bin Saqib. The meeting reportedly focused on the possible inclusion of Bitcoin in Pakistan’s sovereign reserves and its role in future monetary policy. The discussions come as Pakistan steps up its efforts to regulate digital assets. “Pakistan aspires to lead the Global South in the development and adoption of digital assets, setting a benchmark for innovation, regulation and inclusive growth,” Aurangzeb, who also chairs the PCC, was quoted as saying. Read More: Crypto currencies use is illegal, NA panel told  Saylor, one of the most prominent corporate investors in Bitcoin, welcomed Pakistan’s initiative and praised what he termed the country’s “clarity and commitment” toward fostering a forward-looking digital economy. “Bitcoin is the strongest asset for long-term national resilience,” he said, according to the statement. He added that emerging markets such as Pakistan stand to benefit from early adoption of blockchain-based finance. Saylor also expressed his willingness to provide advisory support as Pakistan moves forward with its digital asset agenda. Saylor’s company, Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy), is the largest corporate holder of Bitcoin globally, with over 582,000 BTC reportedly worth more than $62 billion. The firm’s market capitalisation has risen significantly since adopting Bitcoin as a treasury asset in 2020. Also Read: Pakistan launches first govt-backed strategic Bitcoin reserve Officials indicated that further consultations with global stakeholders are planned as Pakistan continues to develop a comprehensive digital financial ecosystem under the oversight of newly formed regulatory bodies. In March, the government formed the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC) to formulate a legal framework for cryptocurrency trading and attract foreign investment. A month later, it introduced the country’s first policy for virtual assets, aligning it with global anti-money laundering and financial transparency standards set by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). In May, the federal cabinet approved the establishment of the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA) — a specialised body to regulate blockchain-based infrastructure. Around the same time, Pakistan also announced the creation of its first government-backed strategic Bitcoin reserve, unveiled at the Bitcoin 2025 conference in Las Vegas.

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