In a striking development for the crypto world, Bilal Bin Saqib, Pakistan’s State Minister of Crypto and Blockchain, declared that Pakistan is uniquely positioned to leapfrog Bitcoin adoption ahead of many developed nations.
Thanks to its youthful demographics, mounting inflation, and a clear regulatory shift, the South Asian country is fast emerging as a global hotspot for Bitcoin integration.
Pakistan’s population of over 250 million includes 70% under the age of 30, giving it a massive pool of tech-native citizens eager for financial innovation. With a median age of just 20.6 years, the country is experiencing a grassroots surge in digital asset use.
The Median Age In Pakistan Is About 20.6 years, Positioning It As A Relatively Young Population
Source: Worldometer
This young population is not just digitally inclined but also deeply affected by economic volatility, making Bitcoin a compelling alternative to traditional finance.
With over 40 million crypto wallets already active in Pakistan, it’s no surprise that the nation ranks among the top five countries in crypto adoption globally.
The appetite for digital currencies like Bitcoin is growing daily, bolstered by mobile penetration, social media influence, and increasing financial literacy among Gen Z and millennials.
In November 2024, Pakistan officially moved to regulate crypto, setting up a legal framework that encourages growth while mitigating risk.
This also marks a significant turning point in the nation’s approach, from skepticism to strategic engagement.
The formation of Pakistan’s National Crypto Council underscores the seriousness of this transition. This body, alongside other regulatory authorities, is actively working on:
In July 2025, Pakistan signed a Letter of Intent with El Salvador, the first country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender.
Pakistan’s Bilal Bin Saqib & El Salvador’s Nayib Bukele Discussing Bitcoin Policy & Collaboration
Source: Bilal Bin Saqib
This partnership aims to share insights on:
Bilal said:
“Both nations are under IMF programs and are exploring how emerging economies can utilize technology and Bitcoin for national growth.”
This collaboration signals Pakistan’s intent to learn from global pioneers and adapt best practices to its unique economic and social landscape.
Pakistan’s energy sector faces an unusual issue: 10,000 megawatts (MW) of excess energy that currently go unused. The government pays high capacity charges for this surplus power, which has become a financial burden.
Minister Bin Saqib revealed that 2,000 MW is being allocated specifically for Bitcoin mining and AI data centers. The country is exploring mining not just through excess grid power, but also:
These initiatives are designed to transform unused energy into a profitable venture, furthering Pakistan’s goal of becoming a regional leader in the Bitcoin mining space.
As of November 2024, Pakistan has moved to regulate Bitcoin and other digital assets through government-approved channels. Licensing of exchanges and legal frameworks are currently in development. Currently however, cryptocurrencies remain banned by the State Bank of Pakistan.
A combination of factors—young demographics, high inflation, mobile internet penetration, and government support—make Pakistan a natural fit for rapid Bitcoin adoption.
Pakistan is repurposing its 10,000 MW of surplus energy for Bitcoin mining and AI data centers, helping turn energy liabilities into long-term economic assets.
The partnership allows Pakistan to leverage El Salvador’s experience in Bitcoin implementation, particularly in education, mining infrastructure, and economic development under IMF oversight.
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