Pakistan Blockchain Chief Meets Trump’s Crypto Advisor to Discuss Bitcoin and Digital Assets

Highlights:

• Bilal Bin Saqib and Bo Hines met at the White House to discuss Bitcoin and digital assets initiatives.
• Pakistan plans 2,000 MW power use for Bitcoin mining and AI data zones.
• The IMF is pressuring Pakistan to regulate Bitcoin mining power as talks continue over a $2.4 billion loan.

Bilal Bin Saqib, CEO of the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC), met Robert “Bo” Hines, Executive Director of the U.S. President Donald Trump’s Council on Digital Assets, at the White House to enhance collaboration on digital asset initiatives, according to a Wednesday announcement on the PCC’s official X page. The council noted that Pakistan seems to be taking a bigger role in digital asset rules in growing markets. It also wants to work with other countries to support crypto and blockchain use.

🇵🇰 🤝 🇺🇸

Minister of State for Crypto & Blockchain, @BilalBinSaqib, met with @BoHines47, Executive Director of @POTUS Donald Trump’s Council on Digital Assets, at the White House to discuss strategic alignment on Bitcoin, digital assets and decentralized infrastructure.

The… pic.twitter.com/tcMs3Eqo6t

— Pakistan Crypto Council (@cryptocouncilpk) June 4, 2025

The meeting aimed to improve cooperation between Pakistan and the United States in digital assets. They talked about many topics like Bitcoin, possible partnerships, and the future of decentralized finance. One important topic was Pakistan’s new Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.

After the meeting, Saqib said:

“It is my mission to position Pakistan as a global leader in digital assets. From launching our Strategic Bitcoin Reserve to unlocking national infrastructure for crypto mining and AI data zones, Pakistan is building a real framework for digital asset adoption and economic modernization.”

Pakistan’s Plan to Boost Bitcoin Mining and AI Using Extra Power

After the White House meeting, Saqib met with officials from the White House Counsel’s Office to talk about laws for blockchain management. Pakistan plans to use 2,000 megawatts of extra power for Bitcoin mining and AI data zones. This aims to turn unused energy into digital work, create jobs, and improve infrastructure.

BREAKING:

🇵🇰 PAKISTAN APPROVES 2,000 MEGAWATTS OF POWER FOR BITCOIN MINING.

BITCOIN IS TAKING OVER! pic.twitter.com/bbqJTZ68uI

— Mister Crypto (@misterrcrypto) May 25, 2025

The government is also working on rules for digital assets. On May 21, the Ministry of Finance approved creating the Pakistan Digital Assets Authority to oversee the digital asset sector. The PDAA will manage licensing and oversee exchanges, tokenized finance, wallets, decentralized finance, and stablecoins.

Pakistan has launched the Pakistan Digital Assets Authority (PDAA) to regulate its $25 billion informal crypto market and foster a secure digital asset ecosystem. #DigitalAssets #PDAA #Blockchain #Web3 #PakistanEconomy #CryptoRegulation pic.twitter.com/1SCX7Oh6fy

— Startup Pakistan (@PakStartup) May 21, 2025

IMF Pressures Pakistan Over BTC Mining Amid Loan Talks

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has asked Pakistan to quickly explain its plans for using power for Bitcoin mining. This comes as Pakistan faces electricity shortages and financial challenges, a local news report said. The IMF team will have a virtual meeting with Pakistan’s Finance Ministry to talk in detail about the power allocation.

The IMF has warned countries about the risks of governments buying Bitcoin. Earlier this month, it approved a $2.4 billion loan for Pakistan. The IMF is now discussing Pakistan’s budget plans. Sources from the Finance Ministry said Pakistan did not inform the IMF about using power for Bitcoin mining. But according to the local report, the IMF insists that countries getting help through the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) must consult them on all policy changes.

A government official working on budget talks with the IMF told local news outlet Samaa:

“There is a fear of further tough talks from the IMF on this initiative [of allocating electricity to Bitcoin mining]. The economic team is already facing stiff questions, and this move has only added to the complexities of the ongoing talks.”