Pakistan is making significant strides toward creating a legal framework for cryptocurrency trading, aiming to attract international investment. Bilal bin Saqib, CEO of the Pakistan Crypto Council, shared the country’s objective of developing a clear regulatory framework to govern digital asset activities, which is expected to enhance the local ecosystem. His remarks were made during an interview with Bloomberg TV.

Saqib’s comments come on the heels of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent establishment of a national crypto council, which is focused on promoting blockchain technology within the country. “Pakistan is done sitting on the sidelines. We want to attract international investment because Pakistan is a low-cost, high-growth market with 60% of the population under 30. We have a Web3 native workforce ready to build,” he stated.

He also highlighted the increasing global focus on cryptocurrency, noting that “Trump is making crypto a national priority, and every country, including Pakistan, will have to follow suit.”

If Pakistan successfully legalizes cryptocurrency, it will become the first South Asian nation to do so, positioning itself ahead of its larger neighbor, India, which has expressed skepticism toward cryptocurrencies. While Bhutan is actively involved in Bitcoin mining, cryptocurrencies are not recognized as legal tender in that country.