ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said on Saturday that economic reforms were steering the country’s economy towards recovery and creating new opportunities in the digital sector.
Speaking at the Leadership Summit on Blockchain and Digital Assets in Islamabad, Finance Minister Aurangzeb said that 10 to 15 percent of Pakistan’s population was already benefiting from digital businesses.
The Finance Minister noted that digital assets were fast emerging as an important sector and their adoption was expected to grow further.
Aurangzeb stressed that facilitating traders and investors remained the government’s top priority. “The process of reforms is ongoing, the national economy is moving towards recovery, and it is essential to adapt economic priorities according to modern demands,” he said.
The Finance Minister highlighted the potential of digital investment, describing it as cost-effective, fast, and transparent.
He said that ensuring regulatory oversight and transparency was crucial to supporting innovation and protecting investors.
Aurangzeb also acknowledged that Pakistan’s banking system was more complex compared to other countries and required simplification and modernisation.
The Finance Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing an enabling environment for the private sector to lead economic growth.
He said Pakistan needed to accelerate its transition towards a “new economy” driven by digitalisation, innovation, and youth participation.
“This is an opportune time to move forward, but all developments must remain within a regulatory framework,” he remarked.
The Finance Minister said that the government had established the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC) and the Pakistan Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority to promote digital investment.
He said the Authority’s inaugural meeting would be held on 25 August, where discussions would focus on regulatory frameworks, transparency, and operational efficiency in the digital asset space.
He further informed that a draft bill on digital investment and virtual assets was being submitted to the Senate Standing Committee on Finance. Following its review, the bill would be presented in the National Assembly for further deliberation and approval, he said.
Aurangzeb underlined the importance of adopting global best practices and successful models from other countries, calling digital assets “better, cheaper, and faster.”
He said that aligning Pakistan’s economic priorities with emerging technological trends would help create a conducive digital ecosystem.
The Finance Minister also spoke about Pakistan’s broader economic trajectory, expressing optimism about achieving inclusive and sustainable growth.
“Events like this contribute to creating a robust and future-ready investment ecosystem that benefits local investors and strengthens our financial infrastructure,” he said.
