Pakistan’s Cryptocurrency Framework Discussion
On October 8, 2025, during the pivotal sessions of the United Nations General Assembly in Jersey City, New Jersey, Pakistani Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb convened with key figures from the cryptocurrency sphere. Notable attendees included Dr. Muneeb Ali, the founder of Stacks, alongside representatives from Stacks Asia Foundation, Monarq Asset Management, KTrade, and OKX, engineering a significant discussion surrounding Pakistan’s burgeoning cryptocurrency framework.
Regulatory Collaboration with Stacks
As Pakistan seeks to formalize its approach to cryptocurrency regulation, it has turned to Dr. Ali and Stacks for guidance in integrating blockchain technology into its financial system. Acknowledging the potential of blockchain to enhance modernization efforts, the government is actively collaborating with Stacks to establish sound regulatory practices. Focus areas during the meeting included:
- Development of compliant stablecoin infrastructure
- Innovative remittance solutions
- Effective KYC processes
Aurangzeb emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to creating a regulatory environment that fosters innovation within the crypto sector, stating:
“We are advancing toward an open and regulated crypto ecosystem. With insights from diaspora leaders like Dr. Muneeb Ali, we aim to evolve our financial systems—covering aspects from stablecoins to remittance mechanisms and digital identities. We are eager to continue this partnership with Stacks and its affiliates.”
Empowering Tech Innovators
Stacks sees great potential in partnering with the Pakistani government to drive the next generation of cryptocurrency adoption within the country. The initiative reflects a broader ambition to educate and empower a new cohort of Pakistani tech innovators who can contribute significantly to the global crypto landscape. Dr. Ali reiterated this vision, stating:
“Pakistan’s young, tech-savvy population deserves modern financial systems. By collaborating on clear regulatory frameworks and efficient remittance processes, we can unlock immense potential for sustainable growth in the future.”
Dr. Muneeb Ali, a notable advocate for blockchain technology and a proud alumnus of LUMS, has earned respect for his endeavors in fostering education and research in digital assets in Pakistan, including establishing the Center for Digital Assets & Research (CeDAR).
Educational Initiatives and Future Plans
Collaboration between Stacks, LUMS, and other stakeholders has already commenced with curriculum development for educational programs, as well as the planning of the first hackathon scheduled for early 2026 through a newly formed working group.
For the latest updates on these initiatives, individuals are encouraged to follow Stacks on X.
About Stacks
Stacks stands at the forefront as a leading Layer 2 solution for Bitcoin, recognized for its vibrant developer activity, market presence, and user engagement. By facilitating over $1 trillion in Bitcoin capital, Stacks is transforming Bitcoin into a programmable asset. The framework allows decentralized applications and smart contracts to utilize Bitcoin, enhanced further by the Nakamoto upgrade enacted in October 2024, which significantly improved transaction speed and finality while maintaining the security of Bitcoin’s primary blockchain. The launch of sBTC in December 2024 integrated native BTC into smart contracts and DeFi operations. Stacks has outlined ambitious goals for its roadmap through 2025 and beyond, including scaling capacity, introducing new integrations, and enhancing developer tools and ecosystem growth. More information can be found at stacks.co.
