Pakistan has moved a step closer to regulated digital finance with the incorporation of the Strategic Digital Wallet Company, a new government-owned entity created to manage and safeguard public-sector virtual assets. Sources confirmed that the federal cabinet approved the establishment of this state-owned enterprise (SOE), which is aligned with the recently enacted Virtual Asset Ordinance 2025. The ordinance establishes a comprehensive legal framework for virtual assets and Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs), enabling Pakistan to develop blockchain-based financial infrastructure under clear compliance and security guidelines.
The Strategic Digital Wallet Company is being incorporated as a non-profit under Section 42 of the Companies Act 2017 and will be registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP). Its creation was advised by Pakistan Crypto Council, which recommended a state-operated cryptocurrency wallet as a secure and transparent mechanism to manage digital assets in the public sector. By setting up this company, the government aims to ensure that blockchain technologies are adopted in a structured manner, limiting risks that come with unregulated crypto activity while strengthening trust in digital finance systems.
To fulfill SECP requirements for incorporation, the government has nominated three officials as initial directors and subscribers: Taimoor Hasan, Joint Secretary Finance Division; Humera Azam Khan, Joint Secretary Cabinet Division; and Amir Muhammad Khan Niazi, Joint Secretary Law and Justice Division. In addition, Ahmed Taimoor Hasan has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer on an additional charge basis until a permanent CEO is appointed by the Board, as per the State-Owned Enterprises (Governance and Operations) Act 2023. These appointments highlight the government’s intent to put in place strong governance structures from the outset, ensuring the SOE is managed with accountability and oversight.
The Strategic Digital Wallet is expected to form the backbone of Pakistan’s future digital asset ecosystem. Beyond providing a secure platform for holding government-owned cryptocurrencies and tokens, it is anticipated to support initiatives such as tokenized government bonds, sovereign digital currencies, and blockchain-based cross-border transactions. Establishing this infrastructure is seen as essential for Pakistan to remain competitive in a global financial environment where digital assets are rapidly becoming part of mainstream economies. Officials have emphasized that the project is not only about enabling new technologies but also about securing financial sovereignty by ensuring digital assets are managed under state control and oversight.
By launching the Strategic Digital Wallet Company, Pakistan has signaled its intent to embrace innovation in financial services while prioritizing compliance, transparency, and national security. The move places the country among a growing list of states that are building official structures for managing digital assets, balancing opportunities for economic modernization with the need to regulate and safeguard against misuse.
Follow the SPIN IDG WhatsApp Channel for updates across the Smart Pakistan Insights Network covering all of Pakistan’s technology ecosystem.
