Pakistan is advancing work on a regulated virtual-assets framework while promoting the use of blockchain and tokenization to expand financial access and address economic needs, Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb said during international events in New York. The finance minister also reaffirmed Pakistan’s climate priorities and support for the COP31 Action Agenda, linking digital finance developments with broader efforts to strengthen economic participation and climate resilience.
Speaking at the United Nations Digital Cooperation Day 2026 session, “Blockchain and the Tokenized Future: Sovereign Choices and Safeguards for Next-Gen DPI,” Muhammad Aurangzeb outlined Pakistan’s approach to emerging digital technologies. He said blockchain and tokenization should be applied to areas where they can address practical economic requirements rather than being pursued solely as technological developments. Among the areas highlighted were lowering remittance costs, improving financing opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises, supporting sovereign debt markets and expanding access to financial services.
The finance minister also emphasized that private-sector innovation in emerging technologies needs to operate alongside appropriate government safeguards. According to the Finance Ministry, he stressed the importance of inclusive digital infrastructure and stronger international cooperation to support the responsible development of the digital ecosystem. The comments come as countries continue to assess how blockchain-based systems, tokenized assets and other digital infrastructure can be incorporated into regulated financial systems while addressing issues related to consumer protection, market integrity and access.
Muhammad Aurangzeb further called for emerging economies to have a meaningful role in shaping international standards for the evolving digital environment. His remarks highlighted the need for global technology and financial frameworks to take into account the requirements of developing economies, particularly as digital systems increasingly influence payments, financing and access to financial services. For Pakistan, the development of a regulated virtual-assets framework is part of a wider effort to establish clearer rules around new forms of digital finance while supporting innovation.
Separately, Muhammad Aurangzeb expressed Pakistan’s support for the COP31 Action Agenda during its launch in New York. He said the initiative is aligned with Pakistan’s national climate priorities and its Nationally Determined Contribution 3.0, which sets out the country’s climate commitments. The finance minister pointed to Pakistan’s exposure to climate-related risks and highlighted several areas where continued investment and implementation are required, including clean energy and electrification, renewable-energy development and energy-efficient buildings.
The climate agenda also includes climate-resilient urban development, climate education and public awareness, food security and climate-resilient agriculture. These areas reflect the need to address climate risks across energy, infrastructure, agriculture and communities while supporting longer-term economic resilience. Pakistan has continued to emphasize the importance of international climate finance and investment as it works to respond to climate-related challenges and translate national commitments into practical projects.
Muhammad Aurangzeb also welcomed the proposed Climate Implementation Bridge, describing it as a mechanism that could help convert NDC commitments into investable and bankable projects. He stressed that the central challenge is now effective implementation rather than simply preparing climate plans. By developing projects that can attract financing, Pakistan aims to move from policy commitments toward projects capable of delivering measurable climate and development outcomes.
The finance minister further welcomed the COP31 Action Agenda’s defined action points and key performance indicators. He described the framework as practical and impact-oriented, with an emphasis on measurable results. His comments at the two events placed Pakistan’s digital finance and climate priorities within wider international discussions on regulation, investment, infrastructure and sustainable development, while highlighting the country’s efforts to strengthen both emerging financial technologies and climate-focused investment frameworks.
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