Islamabad/Washington, July 31, 2025 — In a historic step toward digital economic diplomacy, Pakistan and the United States have signed a groundbreaking trade agreement aimed at deepening cooperation in the fields of cryptocurrency regulation, blockchain innovation, and emerging digital assets. The deal marks a pivotal shift in bilateral relations, ushering in a new era of collaboration in the digital economy.
The agreement follows high-level trade discussions held on July 31 between Bilal Bin Saqib, Pakistan’s Minister of State for Crypto and Blockchain, and Bo Hines, Executive Director of the President’s Council of Advisers on Digital Assets, representing former U.S. President Donald Trump’s advisory team.
A Strategic Shift in U.S.–Pakistan Economic Relations
The talks signaled a significant evolution in U.S.–Pakistan engagement, expanding beyond traditional trade and security matters into the fast-growing Web3 ecosystem. At the center of the dialogue was the coordination of global crypto policy, with both nations expressing shared interest in shaping regulatory frameworks that support innovation while ensuring financial security.
“This marks a bold step forward in repositioning Pakistan as a regional Web3 powerhouse,” said Bilal Bin Saqib following the meeting. “Together, we are setting the stage for a new generation of digital partnerships that transcend borders.”
Coinciding with U.S. Digital Asset Framework Launch
The timing of the agreement coincided with the United States’ unveiling of its long-anticipated Digital Asset Framework—a regulatory blueprint designed to provide clarity on the classification, taxation, and oversight of digital assets including cryptocurrencies, NFTs, and blockchain-based financial products.
The alignment between Pakistan’s crypto ambitions and the U.S.’s newly articulated policy underscores a shared vision for responsible crypto adoption and innovation-driven growth.
A Follow-Up to June’s Diplomatic Visit
This development builds on Bilal Bin Saqib’s June 2025 diplomatic tour in the United States, during which he held extensive discussions with prominent American lawmakers. His meetings included conversations with Senators Cynthia Lummis, Tim Sheehy, and Rick Scott, as well as New York City Mayor Eric Adams, a well-known advocate for crypto integration in urban governance.
Also attending the earlier meetings was Bo Hines, whose continued dialogue with Pakistan’s crypto leadership paved the way for this week’s formal agreement.
The Role of the Pakistan Crypto Council
Beyond his government role, Saqib also serves as the CEO of the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC)—the country’s regulatory body overseeing the development of virtual asset legislation, licensing of Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs), and blockchain integration across industries such as banking, education, healthcare, and agriculture.
The PCC is central to Pakistan’s national crypto strategy, which seeks to position the country as a regional leader in blockchain technology and digital financial services. With strong backing from the federal government, the Council is working to craft clear, enforceable regulations to support the digital asset ecosystem while protecting users.
Future Outlook: Toward a Digital Trade Corridor
Analysts see this agreement as the foundation for a broader digital trade corridor between Pakistan and the U.S., one that could include joint research initiatives, cross-border crypto pilot projects, and educational exchange programs focused on Web3 technologies.
With Pakistan’s youthful population, rapidly expanding fintech landscape, and rising tech talent pool, the country is well-positioned to emerge as a hub for blockchain development in South Asia.
The bilateral momentum also sends a clear message to the global community: the age of digital diplomacy is here, and countries that proactively shape the rules of the new digital economy will have a powerful role in the future of finance.
