Pakistan is making waves in the global crypto landscape by assembling a “super team” of industry heavyweights. This team includes Michael Saylor, the billionaire Bitcoin advocate and executive chairman of Strategy, and Changpeng “CZ” Zhao, founder of Binance. Their role is to spearhead Pakistan’s ambitious Strategic Bitcoin Reserve (SBR) initiative. This move underscores Pakistan’s determination to adopt Bitcoin as a tool for economic resilience amid tensions with international lenders like the IMF and evolving domestic crypto policies.
A Strategic Push for Bitcoin Adoption
The latest developments in Pakistan’s Bitcoin strategy were highlighted in newly released footage from Islamabad. The footage was shared on X by Finance Ministry media officer Hamid Raza Wattoo. The video shows Michael Saylor meeting with Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and Minister of State for Blockchain and Crypto Bilal Bin Saqib. This signals a significant escalation in Pakistan’s efforts to formalize its Strategic Bitcoin Reserve (SBR).
This comes after Pakistan publicly announced the SBR at the Bitcoin 2025 conference in Las Vegas on May 28. Pakistan is positioning itself as a pioneer in state-led Bitcoin adoption. Saylor’s involvement aligns with his long-standing advocacy for sovereign Bitcoin reserves, which he has previously pitched to U.S. policymakers. His backing of Pakistan’s initiative suggests an interest in showcasing the country as a geopolitical proof of concept for Bitcoin adoption.
Saylor is reportedly set to become an official advisor to Pakistan’s Bitcoin reserve plan through the newly formed Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC). Meanwhile, CZ was appointed as a strategic adviser to the council in early April. He is tasked with steering blockchain infrastructure, shaping regulatory frameworks, and mentoring national digital-asset initiatives. Together, Saylor and CZ bring unparalleled expertise and global influence to Pakistan’s ambitious Bitcoin strategy.
The Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Plan
The SBR initiative, championed by Bilal Bin Saqib, aims to acquire Bitcoin using state assets. In addition, the initiative plans to mine additional BTC using Pakistan’s surplus energy resources. The PCC has proposed allocating up to 2 GW of surplus energy to power mining facilities and data centers. This would leverage the country’s untapped energy potential to build a robust Bitcoin ecosystem.
However, the plan has sparked concerns among international lenders, particularly the IMF. They have raised red flags about potential grid stress and fiscal strain if such a large portion of energy is diverted for mining. Pakistan is currently seeking a new bailout agreement, and its fragile power infrastructure adds complexity to the initiative.
Despite these challenges, the PCC continues to promote the SBR as a path toward “digital non-alignment”. This initiative aims to reduce Pakistan’s reliance on the U.S. dollar and traditional credit channels. A delegation from the PCC even pitched the reserve to Donald Trump’s crypto-aligned economic team on June 4 in Washington. This signals the government’s commitment to advancing the initiative on the global stage.
Navigating Complex Crypto Policies
Pakistan’s crypto policy remains a delicate balancing act. While the government is leading the charge on the SBR, general crypto trading remains technically illegal under guidelines issued by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). To address this, the government is reportedly preparing a Digital Assets Authority bill. This bill could provide much-needed legal clarity when Parliament’s Standing Committee on Finance reconvenes.
Regional analysts are closely monitoring Pakistan’s pivot. They expect this move to have ripple effects across South Asia. However, the move risks unsettling major creditors like China, which has invested billions in Pakistan’s energy sector through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
What’s Next for Pakistan’s Bitcoin Initiative?
It remains to be seen how Michael Saylor plans to contribute to the implementation of the SBR. There is anticipation about whether he will collaborate directly with CZ to drive the initiative forward. For now, the SBR is advancing rapidly. Pakistan is leveraging its surplus energy and assembling a dream team of crypto experts to navigate the complexities of Bitcoin adoption.
With a sovereign Bitcoin reserve, surplus energy resources, and the world’s most prominent Bitcoin evangelist now in the picture, Pakistan is testing whether a fragile economy can hedge its bets with “digital gold.” If successful, this initiative could serve as a blueprint for other nations seeking to integrate Bitcoin into their economic strategies.
Final Thoughts
Pakistan’s bold step into the world of Bitcoin behind industry giants like Michael Saylor and CZ. This highlights the growing intersection of geopolitics and cryptocurrency. By pursuing a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, Pakistan is positioning itself as a leader in state-led Bitcoin adoption. It does so even as it navigates tensions with international lenders and complex domestic policies.
As the initiative unfolds, all eyes will be on Pakistan. Observers are keen to see whether its experiment with Bitcoin can deliver the economic resilience and independence it seeks. Or, if the challenges prove too great to overcome.
