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Pakistan has taken a groundbreaking step in the realm of financial technology with the incorporation of the Strategic Digital Wallet Company, a state-owned enterprise (SOE) designed to manage and safeguard government-owned virtual assets. Furthermore, this initiative comes in line with the newly introduced Virtual Asset Ordinance 2025, which provides a clear and structured framework for virtual assets and Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs).

As a result, the move reflects Pakistan’s ambition to embrace blockchain-based financial technologies while ensuring compliance, transparency, and national security.

Backed by the Virtual Asset Ordinance 2025

The Virtual Asset Ordinance 2025 is a milestone for Pakistan’s financial sector. In fact, it provides the legal foundation for regulating digital assets, an area that has long remained under uncertainty. Therefore, Pakistan is now in a stronger position to build trust in blockchain-driven financial solutions.

Moreover, this ordinance offers a clear pathway for both public and private institutions to operate securely in the virtual asset economy.

A Government-Owned Non-Profit Entity

The Strategic Digital Wallet Company is being established as a non-profit organization under Section 42 of the Companies Act 2017, registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP). Consequently, this ensures the company functions transparently, solely for the purpose of protecting and managing digital assets on behalf of the government.

Additionally, the initiative is spearheaded by the Pakistan Crypto Council, which emphasized the need for a secure, government-operated digital wallet. In this way, the company aligns perfectly with the new regulatory regime.

Leadership and Governance

To meet SECP requirements, three senior officials have been appointed as the company’s founding directors:

• Taimoor Hasan, Joint Secretary, Finance Division
• Humera Azam Khan, Joint Secretary, Cabinet Division
• Amir Muhammad Khan Niazi, Joint Secretary, Law and Justice Division

Furthermore, Ahmed Taimoor Hasan has been appointed as the acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the company until a regular CEO is appointed under the State-Owned Enterprises (Governance and Operations) Act 2023.

The Future of Digital Finance in Pakistan

The Strategic Digital Wallet is envisioned to become Pakistan’s foundational infrastructure for managing state-owned virtual assets. For example, some of the potential use cases include:

• Tokenized Government Bonds
• Sovereign Digital Currency
• Cross-Border Blockchain Transactions

Therefore, by building this infrastructure, Pakistan is preparing itself for the next phase of the digital economy. In the long run, regulated and transparent use of blockchain technology could significantly strengthen its financial ecosystem.

A Progressive Step for Pakistan

This initiative is being widely hailed as a forward-looking step that places Pakistan alongside nations actively adopting digital finance frameworks. Moreover, by mitigating the risks of unregulated crypto activity, the government is signaling its commitment to innovation, regulation, and security in the blockchain space.

Ultimately, the establishment of the Strategic Digital Wallet Company not only highlights Pakistan’s adaptability to global financial trends but also sets the stage for integrating digital assets into mainstream governance and economic growth.

Pakistan’s startup ecosystem just received a major push towards sustainability. A leading commercial bank has partnered with the Prime Minister’s Youth Business and Agriculture Financing Scheme to offer low-cost solar loans — giving entrepreneurs the chance to cut electricity costs while embracing renewable energy.

With financing starting as low as 5% profit rates, this initiative opens the door for startups and SMEs to make the switch to solar energy, reducing reliance on expensive traditional electricity.

Loan Details at a Glance

Entrepreneurs can now access flexible loans tailored to their business needs:

• Loan Amounts: From Rs. 500,000 to Rs. 75 Lac
• Repayment Tenure: Up to 8 years
• Grace Period: 1 year to ease financial burden
• Profit Rates: Fixed between 5% to 7% depending on the tier

These terms make solar financing highly accessible, enabling small businesses to plan long-term growth while lowering energy expenses.

Who Can Apply?

This initiative is designed to empower a wide range of Pakistanis:

• Open to all citizens with a valid CNIC
• Entrepreneurs aged 21–45 can apply
• IT and e-commerce business owners only need to be 18 years or older

The scheme ensures that both young entrepreneurs and established business owners can benefit equally from clean energy adoption.

Simple & Convenient Application

Applying for the loan is straightforward. Interested applicants can submit their requests through the Prime Minister’s Youth Program portal online. This makes it easy for entrepreneurs across Pakistan — from major cities to small towns — to apply without hassle.

Why This Matters for Businesses

Switching to solar energy under this scheme brings multiple advantages:

• Reduced energy costs for startups and SMEs
• Improved business sustainability with renewable energy
• Contribution to Pakistan’s green economy goals
• Energy independence for growing businesses

This program is more than just financing — it’s a step toward building a greener, cleaner, and more sustainable future for Pakistan.

Final Thoughts

The low-cost solar loan initiative is set to fuel a new wave of green adoption among Pakistani startups. By making renewable energy affordable and accessible, the government is empowering entrepreneurs to not only save money but also contribute to the fight against climate change.

For startups in Pakistan, this is the right time to invest in solar power solutions and build a sustainable business model.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has released a draft license framework for Fixed Satellite Services (FSS), opening the door for global and local satellite internet providers. This move could revolutionize digital connectivity in Pakistan, especially in underserved regions.

Simplified Licensing for Satellite Internet Providers

Previously, companies needed 15 separate licenses costing $640,000. Now, with PTA’s new framework, providers such as Starlink, OneWeb, and SSST will only need a single license of $500,000 to operate.

Key license features:

• Validity: 15 years
• Service Rollout: Must begin within 18 months
• Gateway Requirement: At least one Earth Station in Pakistan
• Data Compliance: User data must remain within Pakistan

Registration with Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB)

Before applying for a PTA license, companies must register with PSARB, established under the Pakistan Space Activities Rules 2024.

PSARB responsibilities include:

• Licensing & authorization
• Spectrum coordination
• Safety regulations
• Cybersecurity compliance

This ensures alignment with the National Space Policy 2023 and strengthens digital sovereignty.

Financial Commitments for Satellite Operators

The draft license framework clearly outlines financial contributions:

• $500,000 initial license fee
• 1.5% of gross revenues to the Universal Service Fund (USF)
• 0.5% spectrum usage fee
• 0.5% annual license fee

This model ensures business opportunities while also supporting digital inclusion initiatives.

Impact on Pakistan’s Digital Future

Industry experts believe this is a breakthrough moment for Pakistan’s internet landscape. With simplified processes, Starlink and other satellite providers can expand services, ensuring affordable high-speed broadband for rural and remote communities.

This initiative also supports Pakistan’s goals of:

• Enhancing digital inclusion
• Strengthening cybersecurity frameworks
• Boosting technological competitiveness

Conclusion

PTA’s new FSS license is expected to attract global satellite internet providers, ushering in a new era of digital connectivity in Pakistan. With companies like Starlink eyeing entry, the future of internet access in Pakistan looks brighter than ever.