The announcement was made during Zhao’s meeting with the PCC. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb chaired the meeting.

Last month, in a bid to adopt emerging digital currencies, the finance ministry decided to establish a National Crypto Council.

The Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC) was officially launched to “regulate and integrate blockchain technology and digital assets” into the country’s financial landscape.

The entrepreneur Bilal Bin Saqib was appointed as the chief adviser to the finance minister on the council.

The “groundbreaking move” of appointing Zhao as a strategic adviser was poised to reshape the global crypto landscape, said the press release issued by finance ministry.

“This is a landmark moment for Pakistan,” Finance Czar Aurangzeb said. “We are sending a clear message to the world: Pakistan is open for innovation. With Zhao onboard, we are accelerating our vision to make Pakistan a regional powerhouse for Web3, digital finance, and blockchain-driven growth,” he added.

While commenting on Zhao’s appointment, PCC CEO Bilal Saqib said Pakistan was “opening its doors to the future of finance.”

“And who better to guide us on this journey than Zhao — a pioneer who built the world’s largest crypto exchange” Saqib added.

According to the press release, Zhao will work closely with both government bodies and the private sector to build a “compliant, inclusive, and globally competitive” crypto ecosystem in Pakistan.

“Pakistan is a country of 240 million people, over 60 per cent of whom are under the age of 30. The potential here is limitless,” Zhao was quoted as saying in the press release.