Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – April 22, 2025 — In a significant move to bolster regional cooperation in the digital economy, Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Mohamad Bin Haji Hasan met with Bilal Bin Saqib, CEO of the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC), to discuss joint opportunities in blockchain technology, digital assets, and Shariah-compliant financial innovation.
The high-level engagement marked the beginning of discussions around the proposed Pakistan-Malaysia Digital Finance Partnership — an ambitious initiative designed to co-develop FATF-compliant, Shariah-aligned digital asset frameworks. The initiative aims to serve as a model for member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), promoting ethical innovation in the global digital finance ecosystem.
“Malaysia’s leadership in Islamic finance and Pakistan’s momentum in crypto regulation form a natural alliance,” said Bilal Bin Saqib. “Together, we have a historic opportunity to set global standards for ethical innovation in digital finance — from halal stablecoins and tokenized sukuks to compliant regulatory sandboxes and youth empowerment.”
The Pakistan Crypto Council is spearheading the design of a passportable crypto regulatory framework for emerging markets, balancing the need for innovation with international compliance standards. During the meeting, both parties expressed strong alignment on key areas of mutual interest, including:
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Regulatory coordination between financial authorities
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Cross-border talent development
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Web3 education and skill-building initiatives
This milestone engagement reflects a growing synergy between the two nations, both of which are looking to leverage values-based innovation and strategic collaboration to shape the future of finance in the Muslim world and beyond.
Notably, the meeting comes shortly after Binance Founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ) joined the Pakistan Crypto Council as a Strategic Advisor, further cementing international confidence in Pakistan’s rising leadership in the digital asset space.
As discussions continue, stakeholders from both countries are expected to explore formal agreements and pilot programs aimed at accelerating joint initiatives in blockchain and Islamic digital finance.
