Pakistan is positioning itself as a serious contender in the global digital asset race, according to Binance founder Changpeng Zhao.
Zhao said the country could emerge as a crypto powerhouse by 2030 if it sustains its current pace of regulatory reform and adoption.
Leadership and Regulation Drive Momentum
Changpeng Zhao, widely known as CZ, pointed to Pakistan’s recent policy actions as evidence of accelerating momentum. In 2025, the country established a Virtual Asset Regulator and passed the Virtual Assets Ordinance, 2025, laying the groundwork for a formal crypto framework.
Licensing decisions have followed quickly. Major exchanges, including Binance and HTX, have received operating approval, signaling openness to large-scale international platforms. CZ praised Pakistan’s leadership for moving decisively, noting that regulatory clarity is often the single biggest barrier to adoption.
Tokenization and Capital Market Ambitions
Beyond exchange licensing, Pakistan is exploring tokenization of real-world assets, including its stock market infrastructure. The initiative aims to attract foreign capital and improve market liquidity through blockchain-based settlement and ownership models.
Zhao emphasized that early movers in stock market tokenization stand to gain the most, as capital tends to flow toward jurisdictions offering efficient, transparent access. In his view, this strategy could place Pakistan ahead of many peers if executed successfully.
Demographics and Strategic Guidance
Pakistan’s population profile is another key advantage. More than 60% of citizens are under 30, creating a large base of developers, entrepreneurs, and users receptive to blockchain technology.
That demographic strength is now being paired with direct industry input. In April 2025, CZ was appointed a strategic adviser to the government-backed Pakistan Crypto Council. His role covers regulation, infrastructure planning, education, and adoption strategy, giving policymakers access to first-hand global exchange experience.
Energy Strategy Expands the Crypto Vision
Pakistan is also integrating crypto into its broader economic planning. The government is using surplus electricity to support Bitcoin mining and AI data centers, a move designed to monetize unused energy while attracting foreign investment.
This approach ties digital assets to industrial policy, positioning crypto not just as a financial product but as part of a wider infrastructure and technology strategy.
Regulatory Hurdles Still Remain
Despite the optimism, challenges persist. The State Bank of Pakistan continues to state that digital currencies are not legal tender, even as regulatory frameworks advance. In addition, the Virtual Assets Ordinance, 2025 must still receive parliamentary approval to become permanent law.
To meet the 2030 ambition outlined by CZ, Pakistan will need to resolve these legal ambiguities, expand technical infrastructure, and align with international compliance standards. Still, the pace of change in 2025 suggests the country is moving faster than many emerging markets, and that momentum, if sustained, could reshape its role in the global crypto economy.
