Pakistan partners with Binance Academy to boost blockchain education

Pakistan’s Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) has announced a partnership with Binance Academy, the blockchain and crypto learning arm of Binance, to advance blockchain education nationwide.

A ministry spokesperson said the initiative will provide specialized blockchain education for professors and educators. These educators will then train students across Pakistan’s leading universities.

The program plans to cover 20 universities, targeting 300 educators and 80,000 students by 2026. Officials say the goal is to build a strong pipeline of blockchain talent ready to contribute to both Pakistan’s local tech scene and the global industry.

This partnership builds on the Global University Outreach Program (GUOP), the world’s largest Web3 education initiative. The GUOP was launched through a strategic collaboration between Binance Academy and the Blockchain & AI Technology Center (BAITC).

The program now focuses on integrating blockchain education into university curricula worldwide. It includes open educational programs, industry partnerships, and professional certifications.

“As blockchain reshapes the global financial landscape, empowering people with the right skills is essential to unlocking its potential,” said Bader Al Kalooti, MEASA Head of Growth and Operations at Binance.

“Our collaboration with the MoITT in Pakistan marks a significant step toward building a knowledgeable workforce ready to drive innovation and foster growth in the digital economy. Together, we’re laying the foundation for a future where blockchain technology creates opportunities across every sector.”

Al Kalooti added that this national education program is designed to cultivate a generation of blockchain-savvy professionals who can push Pakistan forward in adopting innovative technologies.

Pakistan’s Minister of Information Technology and Telecommunication, Ms. Shaza Fatima Khawaja, strongly endorsed the initiative.

“In line with the vision of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for a digitally empowered Pakistan, this partnership marks an important milestone in the country’s digital transformation,” Khawaja said.

“It contributes to economic growth and positions Pakistan as a global source of skilled blockchain talent. By joining forces with the world’s leading crypto exchange, Binance, along with the Blockchain & AI Technology Center, we are equipping our students with cutting-edge knowledge, preparing them to shape the future of the digital economy and strengthen Pakistan’s presence in the global tech landscape.”

Since 2022, Binance Academy has trained over 3,000 students across 13 universities and three provinces in Pakistan, providing them with Web3.0 skills through dedicated training programs.

Bitcoin strategic reserve

Earlier today, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Blockchain and Crypto Bilal bin Saqib announced that Pakistan will establish a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.

Speaking at Bitcoin Vegas 2025, Saqib said the national Bitcoin wallet was not for "speculation or hype".

"We will be holding these Bitcoins and we will never sell them," he asserted.

Saqib, who is the Chief Executive Officer of the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC), also invited global investors to come to Pakistan. "If you're building something real, come build it in Pakistan. Come build wallets for the unbanked. Come, tokenize land. Come scale your mission with our youth and our unstoppable grit," he said.

Energy allocation

The Pakistan government recently allocated 2,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity in the first phase of a new initiative to power Bitcoin mining and artificial intelligence (AI) data centers, marking a major step in the country’s digital infrastructure expansion.

The initiative, led by the Pakistan Crypto Council, aims to monetize surplus electricity, attract foreign investment, and create high-tech jobs. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb called the move a "pivotal moment" in Pakistan’s digital transformation, turning excess energy into economic opportunity.