Islamabad: Experts at the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) Conference on Friday highlighted that Pakistanis have invested between USD 20 billion and USD 30 billion in asset-backed crypto instruments and emphasized the potential economic opportunities this sector could bring to the country.
According to the report, Pakistan could tap into USD 20–25 billion worth of crypto-related opportunities if regulatory frameworks are established to support digital currencies and virtual assets. Experts encouraged the government to adopt a cautious, phased approach toward digital finance while keeping pace with global trends.
Zafar Masud, President of the Pakistan Banks Association (PBA), noted that digital currencies, including stablecoins, present a promising avenue for financial inclusion and modernization of the country’s payment systems. He added that the adoption of a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) could enhance efficiency in remittances and strengthen Pakistan’s financial ecosystem.
“Introducing digital financial systems with appropriate safeguards can help Pakistan benefit from growing global crypto markets,” Masud said. He highlighted the rising global adoption of stablecoins, which now account for USD 27.6 trillion in value.
Experts also discussed the broader impact of digital currencies, noting that they could support financial inclusion, reduce remittance costs, and provide more efficient alternatives to traditional payment channels. They suggested that clear regulations, digital infrastructure, and coordinated efforts with private sector stakeholders would be key to realizing these opportunities.
Yara Wu, a Singapore-based expert, emphasized that a well-managed CBDC rollout could significantly improve remittance efficiency. Sajid Amin of SDPI added that safeguarding users and ensuring transparency would be important components of any digital asset framework in Pakistan.
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