Pakistan is officially stepping into the future of money.
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has confirmed that it’s preparing to launch a pilot for its own digital currency, a first for the country. The announcement came directly from SBP Governor Jameel Ahmad during the Reuters NEXT Asia summit in Singapore, offering a glimpse into Pakistan’s growing interest in digital finance.
“We’re building our internal capacity for a central bank digital currency (CBDC), and we’re hopeful the pilot launch will happen soon,” Governor Ahmad shared, pointing to an influential shift in Pakistan’s financial strategy.
But that’s not all.
The government has formally approved the Virtual Assets Act, 2025, to provide a secure legal framework for this evolution; this landmark legislation, endorsed by the Federal Cabinet, Prime Minister, and President, will pave the way for licensing and regulating the country’s virtual asset sector.
While acknowledging the risks tied to digital currencies, Governor Ahmad emphasised the need to move forward wisely. “We need to be cautious, yes, but we also can’t afford to miss out on the opportunities that this space offers,” he said.
Pakistan is now collaborating with multiple technology partners to develop this infrastructure, ensuring it is both secure and future-ready.
As the world increasingly moves toward cashless transactions and digital economies, Pakistan’s upcoming digital rupee may become a game-changer, improving transparency, financial inclusion, and overall efficiency in the monetary system.
The countdown to Pakistan’s digital currency launch has officially begun.
Read more: State Bank of Pakistan considers launching its own Digital Currency
