Landmark Agreement in Islamabad
The Ministry of Finance has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Binance Investments Co., Ltd., one of the world’s leading blockchain and digital asset technology companies. The signing ceremony took place at the Finance Division in Islamabad, with Federal Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb and Binance CEO Richard Teng formalizing the agreement. Changpeng Zhao (CZ), adviser to the Pakistan Crypto Council, was also present.
Scope of Collaboration
The MoU sets a framework for exploring tokenisation and blockchain‑based distribution of Pakistan’s sovereign and real‑world assets. These include government bonds, treasury bills, commodity reserves, and other federally owned holdings. Subject to legal and regulatory approvals, the initiative could involve assets valued at up to USD 2 billion.
Technical Support and Capacity Building
Under the arrangement, Binance and its affiliates may provide Pakistan with technical expertise, advisory support, training, and capacity building. The aim is to help the government assess compliant blockchain infrastructure and develop secure, transparent platforms that could attract broader participation from international investors.
Statements from Officials
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb described the MoU as a strong signal of Pakistan’s reform trajectory. He emphasized that the agreement reflects a long‑term partnership and highlighted the government’s commitment to swift execution. “This is a very strong message not only for Pakistan, but for the entire world,” he said, acknowledging the support of national leadership in advancing the initiative.
Binance founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ) termed the MoU a landmark development for Pakistan’s future. He said the collaboration would have a significant impact on the country’s technology‑driven generation and expressed confidence that it would deliver lasting economic benefits.
Non‑Binding Nature and Next Steps
The Ministry of Finance clarified that the MoU is non‑binding and represents an intent to explore feasibility. Any definitive agreements will be negotiated within six months, subject to Pakistan’s laws, policies, and regulatory approvals. The arrangement does not constitute exclusivity or procurement commitments.
Broader Significance
The collaboration underscores Pakistan’s commitment to responsible financial innovation, strong governance, and compliance. Officials say it marks an important milestone in aligning the country’s financial ecosystem with evolving global best practices and signals Pakistan’s readiness to embrace modern financial technologies.