In a significant move that signals Pakistan’s growing interest in blockchain technology and digital assets, Changpeng Zhao (CZ), the founder of cryptocurrency exchange giant Binance, has been officially appointed as Strategic Advisor to the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC). The announcement was made during CZ’s high-profile visit to Islamabad on April 7, 2025, where he met with key government officials including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
BREAKING: Pakistan appoints #Binance founder @cz_binance as strategic crypto advisor — bullish on Web3, betting big on crypto comeback 🇵🇰 pic.twitter.com/jBjk1ABw3l
— crypto.news (@cryptodotnews) April 7, 2025
A Strategic Partnership
The appointment marks a major development in Pakistan’s approach to cryptocurrency regulation and adoption. Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, who chairs the PCC, described the move as a “landmark moment” for the country. “We are sending a clear message to the world: Pakistan is open for innovation. With CZ onboard, we are accelerating our vision to make Pakistan a regional powerhouse for Web3, digital finance, and blockchain-driven growth,” said Aurangzeb.
CZ’s visit to Islamabad was marked by meetings with top government officials, including separate discussions with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister Senator Ishaq Dar. He also participated in a high-level meeting chaired by Finance Minister Aurangzeb that brought together key stakeholders, including the Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), the Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, and Federal Secretaries for Law and IT.
Pakistan’s Crypto Ambitions
The Pakistan Crypto Council, established recently under the Finance Division, aims to develop a comprehensive regulatory and educational framework for digital assets in the country. This initiative comes at a time when Pakistan is looking to position itself as a forward-thinking nation in the global cryptocurrency landscape.
Pakistan’s move to embrace cryptocurrency and blockchain technology is backed by impressive statistics. According to reports, the country ranks 3rd in the Global Crypto Adoption Index with approximately 20 million active cryptocurrency users and over $20 billion in crypto transactions. Currently, Pakistan is among the top 10 countries in terms of crypto adoption, and with annual remittances of $35 billion, the country is well-positioned to benefit from cryptocurrency integration.
CZ himself acknowledged the potential of Pakistan’s market during the announcement: “Pakistan is a country of 240 million people, over 60% of whom are under the age of 30. The potential here is limitless.“
CZ’s Role and Responsibilities
As Strategic Advisor to the PCC, Changpeng Zhao will provide guidance on multiple fronts, including:
- Regulatory frameworks for cryptocurrency
- Blockchain infrastructure development
- Crypto education and adoption strategies
- Talent development in the blockchain sector
He will work closely with both the Pakistani government and private sector to create what the Finance Division described as “a compliant, inclusive, and globally competitive crypto ecosystem.”
Bilal Bin Saqib, CEO of the Pakistan Crypto Council, expressed optimism about CZ’s involvement: “Pakistan is opening its doors to the future of finance. And who better to guide us on this journey than CZ — a pioneer who built the world’s largest crypto exchange and changed the way billions think about financial freedom?“
Global Advisory Efforts
This appointment is not CZ’s first venture into advising governments on cryptocurrency matters. Just last week, he signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Kyrgyzstan’s National Investment Agency to support the development of that country’s blockchain and cryptocurrency infrastructure. The agreement with Kyrgyzstan focused on infrastructure, training, and advisory services.
These advisory roles come at an interesting time in CZ’s career. While the documents don’t explicitly mention his current status with Binance, they refer to him as the “founder” rather than CEO, suggesting he may be focusing on broader industry development rather than day-to-day exchange operations.
Pakistan’s Crypto Council Composition
The PCC, which will benefit from CZ’s expertise, has a strong government presence in its composition. According to the information provided, the council includes:
- Chairman: Minister for Finance and Revenue
- Member: Governor, State Bank of Pakistan
- Member: Federal Secretary, Law and Justice Division
- Member: Federal Secretary, IT
- Member: Chairman, Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan
Additionally, Bilal Bin Saqib serves as the chief adviser to the finance minister on the crypto council. Saqib, who has represented Pakistan at international blockchain events including NFT NYC, the World Economic Forum, ETH Barcelona, and Token 2049, is described as a global thought leader in the blockchain space.
Regional and Global Context
The move to appoint CZ as an advisor comes at a time when many countries are reevaluating their approach to cryptocurrency regulation. Pakistan’s initiative puts it in company with jurisdictions like Singapore, Dubai, and Switzerland, which have established themselves as progressive, Web3-ready nations.
For Pakistan, this appointment could represent an opportunity to leverage cryptocurrency for economic growth, especially in the realm of remittances. With $35 billion in annual remittances, the potential for blockchain technology to reduce costs and increase efficiency in this sector is significant.
Market Reaction
The announcement comes during a volatile period for cryptocurrency markets. According to the data provided, major cryptocurrencies were experiencing significant price decreases on April 7, with Bitcoin down 4.16% at $79,242.49 Ethereum down 11.17% at $1,568.48, and other altcoins showing similar downward trends. This market volatility appears to be connected to broader economic concerns, particularly around new trade tariffs implemented by the Trump administration.
Despite these market conditions, Pakistan’s move indicates a long-term strategic interest in blockchain technology that transcends short-term price fluctuations.
Looking Ahead
With CZ’s appointment, Pakistan appears to be positioning itself to join the ranks of countries actively embracing blockchain technology and cryptocurrency. The involvement of high-level government officials, including the Prime Minister, suggests serious commitment to this initiative.
As CZ begins his advisory role, the focus will likely be on creating a regulatory environment that balances innovation with consumer protection, developing educational programs to increase understanding of blockchain technology, and building the infrastructure necessary for wider cryptocurrency adoption.
For a country with Pakistan’s demographic profile—240 million people with 60% under 30 years of age—the potential economic and technological benefits of becoming a regional crypto hub could be substantial. The appointment of one of the industry’s most recognizable figures as an advisor signals that Pakistan is serious about realizing that potential.
 as a strategic advisor to its National Crypto Council, aiming to strengthen the country's crypto policies and blockchain innovation.){kind=link}