Pakistan and El Salvador Team Up to Develop Bitcoin Initiatives
Date: 2025-07-18 Author: Gabriel Deangelo Categories: IN WORLD
Pakistan and El Salvador have taken a major step towards a digital future by signing a cooperation agreement to integrate Bitcoin at the government level. In San Salvador, Bilal bin Saqib, Chairman of the Pakistan Cryptocurrency Council (PCC) and Adviser to the Prime Minister on Cryptocurrency, and Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele signed a formal document that will serve as a basis for working together on digital transformation.
Saqib expressed admiration for Bukele’s decision to embrace Bitcoin when it was not yet a widespread move. He said El Salvador has become an example for countries with limited resources but striving for progress. Pakistan sees this as an experience that can be adapted to its own reality and used to create a new economic model.
The countries’ cooperation will cover not only the popularization of the first cryptocurrency, but also the development of financial inclusion using blockchain technologies, as well as the development of strategies to support developing countries. Sakib emphasizes that developing economies do not have to wait for approval from major international institutions — they can be ahead of the times, relying on the experience of El Salvador.
Despite the mixed reaction of the International Monetary Fund, El Salvador continues to increase its Bitcoin reserves. According to BitcoinTreasuries.NET, the country has accumulated over 6,240 BTC to date, which is equivalent to approximately $740 million. This approach serves as a signal for other countries that are considering the possibility of forming their own cryptocurrency reserves.
Pakistan is also taking practical steps to integrate the crypto industry into the national economy. In early summer, the PCC and the Ministry of Finance proposed to direct 2,000 MW of excess electricity to Bitcoin mining and servicing artificial intelligence centers. However, the IMF opposed preferential tariffs for energy-intensive industries, which include mining.
It is worth noting that interest in the formation of Pakistan's Bitcoin reserve has been actively discussed since the spring. Saqib spoke about this at The Bitcoin Conference. In addition, in the spring, former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao joined the Pakistan Crypto Council, which strengthened the country's position in the global cryptosphere.
In June, Saqib and Pakistani Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb held online talks with Michael Saylor, founder of Strategy. Saylor expressed his willingness to advise Pakistan on the formation of Bitcoin reserves.
Thus, cooperation between Pakistan and El Salvador opens new horizons for countries that are ready to use cryptocurrencies and blockchain to develop their economies and reduce the digital divide.
