Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, during his address at the Pakistan Banking Summit 2025 in Karachi on Monday, asked the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and other regulators to consider cryptocurrencies with an open mind.
He emphasized the increasing popularity of digital assets in informal markets and the necessity to proactively address regulatory challenges. The Finance Minister pointed out that emerging markets are placing greater emphasis on artificial intelligence and digital assets to promote financial inclusion. While he recognized that the regulation of cryptocurrencies falls under the purview of the SBP, he called for forward-thinking policies to integrate these assets into the economies of developing nations like Pakistan.
Additionally, the minister underscored the advancements made in Pakistan’s digital banking sector. He expressed the government’s commitment to decreasing reliance on cash through the expanded use of point-of-sale (POS) systems and QR codes. He also affirmed that deregulation and privatization remain key priorities for the coalition government, which are essential for attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) across various economic sectors.
The Finance Minister pledged that Pakistan would persist in implementing structural economic reforms, particularly in taxation, energy, and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), to break the cycle of economic fluctuations and foster sustainable growth.
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