Bilal Bin Saqib outlines roadmap for future financial systems driven by digital assets

PVARA chief says Pakistan is positioning digital assets and blockchain as core pillars of its future financial architecture
Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Blockchain and Crypto and Chairman Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA) Bilal Bin Saqib poses for a photo. — Geo.tv
Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Blockchain and Crypto and Chairman Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA) Bilal Bin Saqib poses for a photo. — Geo.tv

Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA) Chairperson Bilal Bin Saqib has outlined Pakistan’s evolving vision for future financial systems, emphasising that digital assets and blockchain technology will play a central role in reshaping the country’s economic framework.

Speaking about ongoing reforms, the PVARA chairperson — who also serves as the Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Blockchain and Crypto — said the government is working to transform the largely unregulated crypto market into a transparent and investor-friendly ecosystem aligned with global standards.

He stressed that Bitcoin and other digital assets are not merely investment tools but a “fundamental pillar of the future financial system,” highlighting a shift in policy thinking toward integrating decentralised finance into mainstream economic planning.

Saqib noted that Pakistan has introduced a structured regulatory framework aimed at ensuring clarity, phased implementation and technology-driven oversight. The initiative includes interim licensing for exchanges, alongside pilot projects in mining, tokenisation and fintech innovation.

According to him, these measures are expected to attract billions of dollars in investment in the coming years, signalling growing international interest in Pakistan’s digital asset ecosystem.

He also pointed to Pakistan’s demographic advantage, with a large youth population positioned to drive the transition towards a digital economy. The goal, he said, is to transform young people from passive consumers into active creators and contributors within the global digital financial landscape.

The remarks come as Pakistan accelerates efforts to formalise its crypto sector, strengthen financial transparency, and align with international regulatory standards while exploring new avenues for economic growth through emerging technologies.