In a groundbreaking move poised to reshape the global cryptocurrency landscape, the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC) on Monday appointed Binance cryptocurrency founder Changpeng Zhao its strategic adviser.
The appointment was announced during a meeting between Zhao and the Pakistan Crypto Council. Chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, the meeting included the participation of key government stakeholders, including the chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), the governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, and the federal secretaries for Law and I.T.
During his visit, per a statement from the Finance Division, Zhao also held separate meetings with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar.
“This is a landmark moment for Pakistan,” said Aurangzeb, who also serves as chairman of PCC. “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,” he added.
“Pakistan is opening its doors to the future of finance,” said Bilal bin Saqib, CEO of the Pakistan Crypto Council. “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.”
As strategic adviser, Zhao will provide guidance on regulation, infrastructure, education, and adoption. He will work closely with the Government of Pakistan and the private sector to create a compliant, inclusive, and globally competitive crypto ecosystem. “Pakistan is a country of 240 million people, over 60% of whom are under the age of 30. The potential here is limitless,” he said.
The Pakistan Crypto Council is spearheading the digital transformation of Pakistan. The Finance Division said Zhao’s appointment signals a bold new era, where Pakistan joins the ranks of Singapore, Dubai, and Switzerland as a progressive, Web3-ready nation.