Advisor to the Finance Minister Khurram Schehzad said that “Digital Nation Pakistan 2025” is not just a project but a comprehensive vision aimed at transforming Pakistan into a digitally empowered nation.
Through the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA), crypto holders will have the opportunity to participate in the formal digital economy. Tax incentives are also being developed, with various options under discussion.
He made the remarks while addressing the FinTech Forward Forum during the 27th ITCN Asia at the Expo Center on Monday.
Khurram Schehzad highlighted that currently, 99 percent of government files are being transferred digitally across ministries through the E-Office platform. This system has eliminated issues such as data loss and delays in decision-making, while performance tracking ensures transparency and accountability.
He said the government aims to establish 120 million bank accounts and make all government-to-government (G2G) transactions 100 percent digital, with the entire government system moving onto a digital foundation this year.
Answering questions from the forum, Khurram Schehzad said special incentives are being planned for investors under the industrial policy. Small loans are being provided to SMEs, agriculture, and youth to encourage self-sufficiency. Skill bonds are also being issued to incentivize skilled individuals.
Emphasizing the government’s role in the digital economy, he said the primary responsibility is to provide a conducive environment for innovation and create a supportive policy framework for emerging technologies. Policies are being formulated to empower youth, particularly in the financial and digital sectors.
On regulatory matters, he noted that a framework for virtual assets is under consideration, with Pakistan still in the early stages. He cited the UAE as an example of a country with an effective virtual assets regulatory system and said Pakistan is moving forward cautiously but confidently, learning from global best practices.
The session concluded with an emphasis on balanced policymaking, innovation-friendly regulations, and adherence to global best practices.