KARACHI: Pakistan’s State Minister for Crypto and Blockchain Bilal bin Saqib has met with Bo Hines, President Donald Trump’s adviser on digital assets, and discussed with him Pakistan’s plans to become a regional Web3 innovation hub, the Pakistani finance ministry said on Friday, amid efforts by both countries to cooperate on crypto policy and legislation.
Web3 is a decentralized Internet built on blockchain, giving users control over their data, identity and digital assets by using peer-to-peer networks, smart contracts and cryptocurrencies to enable intermediary-free interactions. It supports decentralized apps like NFTs and DAOs to promote transparency and user ownership unlike Web2 which is dominated by platforms like Google and Facebook.
The move follows a landmark trade deal between Pakistan and the US, which includes reduced tariffs and a new partnership to develop Pakistan’s oil reserves, and the Pakistani ministry said the developments were discussed during Saqib’s meeting with Hines, executive director of Trump’s Council of Advisers on Digital Assets.
“The discussion centered on the global coordination of crypto policy and Pakistan’s ambitious plans to become a regional hub for Web3 innovation,” the Pakistani finance ministry said. “The alignment sends a strong signal: Pakistan and the US are no longer just trading partners. They are exploring now on how they can collaborate on crypto legislation.”
