As Pakistan and the United States conclude a pivotal chapter of economic diplomacy with the conclusion of historic trade talks, a fresh and exciting new chapter unfolds — this time within the dynamic and cutting-edge digital realm.
On the significant day of 31st July, a high-level meeting took place between Bilal Bin Saqib, who serves as Pakistan’s Minister of State for Crypto and Blockchain, and Bo Hines, the Executive Director of President Trump’s Council of Advisers on Digital Assets. This meeting heralded a daring new direction in U.S.–Pakistan relations.
The discussions were rich and focused, centering on the global coordination required for crypto policy, alongside Pakistan’s bold ambitions to wholeheartedly become a regional hub for Web3 innovation.
This significant engagement coincided neatly with the day following the United States’ announcement of its much-anticipated Digital Asset Framework, a groundbreaking blueprint designed for the regulation of digital assets on a global scale.
This alignment sends an undeniably strong signal: the partnership between Pakistan and the U.S. has evolved beyond mere trade. They are now collaboratively exploring avenues to cooperate on crafting crypto legislation.
The most recent dialogue follows the monumental visit of Bilal Bin Saqib to the United States back in June, during which he connected in-depth with top U.S. lawmakers, including Senators Cynthia Lummis, Tim Sheehy, and Rick Scott, as well as New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Bo Hines himself.
Saqib holds the role of CEO at the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC), which serves as the regulatory authority for the nation’s virtual assets. The PCC is entrusted with fostering the development and implementation of Pakistan’s national crypto strategy, playing a central role in shaping legislation, licensing frameworks for Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs), and promoting the adoption of blockchain technology across various sectors.