Pakistan’s Quiet Bid to Become South Asia’s Tokenization Hub
- Pakistan accelerates tokenization rules to fix capital access, liquidity gaps, and markets.
- Regulators frame blockchain as infrastructure to bypass legacy reforms and link Pakistan.
- CZ says tokenized stocks could open direct global investment channels into Pakistan’s.
Pakistan is quietly positioning itself as a regional center for tokenization as regulators accelerate digital asset frameworks in 2025. Officials now frame blockchain as financial infrastructure to expand capital access. This shift targets long-standing barriers in investment flows and market liquidity.
Across emerging markets, governments increasingly use tokenization to modernize capital formation. Countries such as the UAE and Singapore already leverage blockchain rails to attract offshore capital. Pakistan is currently pursuing a similar course while avoiding sluggish legacy reforms. Regulators believe programmable markets can compress decades of development into one cycle.
Recent comments from Changpeng Zhao, founder of Binance, highlighted this shift during a public discussion with Bilal bin Saqib. Zhao chairs Pakistan’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority and advises the Pakistan Crypto Council. He said Pakistan’s pace in 2025 signals serious regulatory intent. He added that sustained momentum could elevate the country within five years.
Zhao credited national leadership for recognizing digital asset demand among young, tech-focused citizens. He said policymakers understand speed as a strategic advantage. He described Pakistan’s regulatory clarity as unusual for a market of its size. Zhao said this approach could reshape Pakistan’s global financial standing.
Regulation Moves Faster Than Markets
Pakistan has already taken several steps to formalize its crypto sector this year. Authorities created the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority to oversee digital assets. Regulators also allowed Binance and HTX to operate locally. In addition, the government announced plans for a Bitcoin reserve.
Officials also began exploring real-world asset tokenization to improve market depth. Tokenized securities are viewed by policymakers as instruments to draw in foreign investment. This approach aligns with global trends in digital finance infrastructure. It also addresses Pakistan’s restricted access to international liquidity.
Zhao said tokenizing the Pakistan Stock Exchange could open direct investment channels. He said tokenized equities allow global investors to buy exposure without traditional barriers. According to Zhao, this structure links overseas capital directly to local companies. He urged regulators to accelerate these plans.
He noted that early movers gain the largest advantages in tokenization. Countries that delay risk losing competitive positioning. Zhao said blockchain-based markets operate continuously and globally. This model contrasts with restricted legacy trading systems.
Related: Binance, JazzCash Sign MoU to Explore Pakistan’s Virtual Assets
Tokenization as an Access Layer
Pakistan’s strategy focuses on access rather than speculation. Tokenization provides quicker settlement and fractional ownership. These features appeal to foreign investors seeking emerging market exposure. Regulators believe that without strict capital controls, this could boost liquidity.
The approach also addresses domestic entrepreneurship limits. Zhao said traditional banking remains difficult for startups. He added that artificial intelligence ventures require costly data and computing power. Blockchain development demands fewer physical resources.
Zhao said blockchain platforms lower entry barriers for small teams. He said virtual networks accept builders without institutional gatekeeping. He also highlighted the need for education and incubators. Long-term growth could be supported by educational institutions and training initiatives.
Pakistan’s leadership views this ecosystem as complementary to capital market reform. Tokenization could operate alongside existing exchanges. Officials believe this dual structure reduces reform friction. It also allows experimentation without systemic risk.
International investors already show rising institutional crypto demand. Tokenized assets could channel that demand into Pakistan’s economy. Regulators expect clearer rules to reduce compliance uncertainty. This clarity supports longer investment horizons.
