Binance founder Changpeng Zhao, widely known as CZ, has been appointed as a strategic adviser to the newly-formed Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC). The appointment was announced during a high-profile meeting chaired by Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, who also serves as the chairman of the PCC. Held in Islamabad, the meeting included top officials from SECP, SBP, and the federal ministries of Law and IT.
CZ’s visit to Pakistan marked a significant turning point in the country’s digital journey. During his stay, Zhao met separately with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister Senator Ishaq Dar. These meetings underscore the strategic importance the Pakistani leadership is placing on blockchain and Web3 technologies as part of a broader push to modernize the economy and attract international investment. In a statement issued by the Finance Division, it was emphasized that Zhao’s role will be pivotal in helping the country design a crypto ecosystem that is globally competitive, compliant with international standards, and inclusive of Pakistan’s vast youth population. Finance Minister Aurangzeb declared during the announcement that:
“This is a landmark moment for Pakistan,”
“We are sending a clear message to the world: Pakistan is open for innovation. With CZ onboard, we are accelerating our vision to make Pakistan a regional powerhouse for Web3, digital finance, and blockchain-driven growth.”
His remarks were echoed by Bilal Bin Saqib, the CEO of the Pakistan Crypto Council and a recognized global blockchain thought leader.
“Pakistan is opening its doors to the future of finance,”
“And who better to guide us on this journey than CZ — a pioneer who built the world’s largest crypto exchange and changed the way billions think about financial freedom.”
As a strategic adviser, CZ will focus on shaping regulatory frameworks, building digital infrastructure, fostering education in blockchain technologies, and driving adoption. He is expected to work closely with both public and private sector stakeholders in Pakistan to ensure that the crypto ecosystem develops responsibly and sustainably. “Pakistan is a country of 240 million people, over 60% of whom are under the age of 30. The potential here is limitless,” CZ said during his remarks, expressing optimism about Pakistan’s potential to emerge as a leading force in the Web3 landscape.
The Pakistan Crypto Council, created just last month under the Finance Division, is tasked with spearheading the country’s digital transformation. Its composition reflects the high-level commitment of the state: the finance minister as chairman, the SBP governor, federal secretaries for law and IT, and the chairman of the SECP as members. This alignment of financial, legal, and technological oversight ensures that the council can take a balanced and comprehensive approach to crypto regulation and development.
Bilal Bin Saqib, who has been appointed as the chief adviser to the finance minister on crypto matters, brings with him international exposure and credibility. He has represented Pakistan at top global forums including NFT NYC, ETH Barcelona, Token 2049, and the World Economic Forum. His leadership and vision have already laid the groundwork for Pakistan’s emergence as a serious player in the global digital finance space.
With 20 million active cryptocurrency users and more than $20 billion in transaction volume, Pakistan already ranks among the world’s top 10 in terms of crypto adoption. According to the latest Global Crypto Adoption Index, the country holds the third spot—a testament to the grassroots demand for decentralized finance tools in the country. Given the country’s substantial $35 billion in annual remittances, the adoption of cryptocurrency technologies could offer more efficient, transparent, and lower-cost financial alternatives for millions of Pakistanis.
The appointment of CZ and the formal establishment of the Pakistan Crypto Council mark the beginning of a bold new chapter for the country. It places Pakistan alongside global crypto-forward hubs like Singapore, Dubai, and Switzerland, sending a strong message to investors, innovators, and the global blockchain community that the country is ready to lead in the next wave of financial technology transformation.
