Pakistan to Leverage Bitcoin Reserves in DeFi for High-Yield Gains
Pakistan’s Ambitious Move: Establishing a Bitcoin Reserve
Bilal Bin Saqib’s Vision for Crypto in Pakistan
In late May, Bilal Bin Saqib, the crypto czar of Pakistan, made headlines during his presentation at Bitcoin 2025, where he revealed the country’s plans to create a Bitcoin Reserve. As the CEO of the Pakistan Crypto Council and the nation’s crypto minister, Saqib expressed that a conversation with Michael Saylor, the executive chairman of Strategy, solidified his belief in this initiative.
Saqib, who has long been an advocate for Bitcoin, described the experience as a rejuvenation of his enthusiasm for the cryptocurrency. He praised Saylor as a strong proponent of Bitcoin, emphasizing his positive influence on the industry.
Michael Saylor’s Invitation to Pakistan
Following their engaging discussion, Saqib extended an invitation to Saylor to visit Pakistan, highlighting the rapid developments since their encounter in Las Vegas. In a subsequent Zoom meeting in June, Saqib, accompanied by Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, proposed that Saylor join as an adviser for the newly formed Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. This move came shortly after the appointment of former Binance CEO Changpeng “CZ” Zhao as an adviser.
Saqib also reflected on his interactions at the conference, noting a significant conversation with Brock Pierce, a crypto venture capitalist, and meetings with U.S. policymakers focused on cryptocurrency legislation. He remarked that Bitcoin Vegas was more than just a conference; it was a gathering of forward-thinking individuals committed to financial freedom and an inclusive economic future.
From Vegas to the White House
Just days after the conference, Saqib found himself at the White House, meeting with Robert “Bo” Hines, the executive director of the U.S. President’s Council on Digital Assets. Saqib expressed pride in representing Pakistan as a progressive, tech-oriented nation willing to explore new financial avenues. During their discussion, he covered topics such as Bitcoin reserves and stablecoin infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between U.S. innovation and Pakistani youth, particularly given the country’s status as the third-largest freelancing market globally.
Saqib’s journey into the crypto world began eight years ago with the launch of Web3Pak, Pakistan’s largest crypto community. His recent appointment as the CEO of the Pakistan Crypto Council has streamlined various crypto initiatives within the country.
Saqib’s Role in Pakistan’s Crypto Landscape
In March, Saqib took on the role of CEO at the Pakistan Crypto Council, which aims to consolidate efforts in the crypto sector. He described the council as a “single window operation” designed to accelerate crypto development in Pakistan, involving key figures such as the finance minister and the governor of the state bank.
By May, Saqib’s influence grew further when Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appointed him as a special assistant on crypto and blockchain, a role he believes is unique globally. Pakistan’s strategic Bitcoin reserve will utilize Bitcoin seized from criminal activities, which has been idly held by law enforcement.
Addressing Concerns About Competition with the U.S.
In response to comments from Jan3 founder Samson Mow, who suggested that Pakistan might outpace the U.S. in acquiring Bitcoin, Saqib clarified that the country is not actively purchasing Bitcoin at this time. He emphasized that Pakistan is currently adopting a budget-neutral approach regarding its crypto wallet.
Looking ahead, Saqib plans to establish a Bitcoin wallet and leverage decentralized finance (DeFi) to generate passive income. He also mentioned the government’s recent allocation of 2,000 megawatts of surplus electricity for Bitcoin mining and AI centers, reflecting a strong political will to position Pakistan as a leader in digital assets among emerging economies.
Encouraging Youth Engagement in Crypto Advocacy
Saqib is passionate about encouraging the younger generation to advocate for cryptocurrency and engage with political leaders. He noted that many older politicians remain disconnected from the crypto ecosystem, often opting for caution over innovation. He urged young people worldwide to lobby their governments to recognize the potential of digital assets, stressing that this industry is rapidly evolving and should not be overlooked.
In conclusion, Saqib’s vision for Pakistan’s crypto future is ambitious and forward-thinking, aiming to integrate the nation into the global digital economy while fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration.
