ISLAMABAD: The government is taking measures to adopt next-generation financial technologies to deliver tangible economic benefits, particularly to overseas Pakistanis, freelancers, small businesses and financial institutions.
Minister of State and Chairman of the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority, Bilal Bin Saqib, met Division President, East Arabia, Mastercard, Mark Elliot, on Thursday to discuss opportunities arising from the convergence of traditional financial systems and emerging digital-asset technologies.
The engagement focused on the evolving role of blockchain-enabled financial infrastructure, including opportunities to improve cross-border payments, strengthen remittance efficiency, facilitate the responsible tokenisation of financial assets and expand access to modern financial services.
With Pakistan receiving over $40 billion in annual remittances and possessing a rapidly growing digital economy, discussions highlighted the potential for next-generation financial technologies.
The two sides also exchanged perspectives on emerging global developments in digital payments, cybersecurity, financial integrity and the importance of regulatory frameworks that enable responsible innovation while protecting consumers and safeguarding financial stability.
Speaking on Pakistan’s vision, Bilal Saqib stated that the next generation of global financial infrastructure is being built today.
Pakistan has an opportunity not merely to participate in this transformation, but to help shape how emerging economies benefit from it.
Published in Dawn, November 6th, 2026
