By Hafiz Rahat Usama 
Symbolic Unity and Technological Diplomacy
New York City Mayor Eric Adams reinforced his support for Pakistan’s emerging blockchain and cryptocurrency agenda during a high-profile meeting with Bilal Bin Saqib, Pakistan’s Minister of State for Crypto and Blockchain. Addressing the crowd at Gracie Mansion, Mayor Adams notably quipped, “We consider New York to be Lahore,” emphasizing the shared ambition and cultural camaraderie between the two innovation hubs .
Crypto Councils Forge International Cooperation
Both New York and Pakistan have recently established government-backed Crypto Councils to nurture the ethical growth of the digital asset economy . During the meeting, Adams and Saqib discussed forging collaboration between their Crypto Councils, with plans that include joint knowledge-sharing initiatives, capacity-building workshops, and strategic advisory partnerships aimed at fostering regulatory alignment and innovation .
Building Blocks of Web 3 Innovation
The meeting served as a capstone to Saqib’s US tour, which included engagements with key stakeholders in Washington, D.C., and Wall Street. Discussions focused on leveraging blockchain to power cross-border financial systems, accelerate Web 3 adoption, and ensure regulatory compliance. Both leaders emphasized the importance of a responsible approach to digital assets, balancing innovation with integrity.
Pakistan’s Vision for a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve
A highlight of the meeting was the affirmation of Pakistan’s ambitious national strategy for cryptocurrency. Earlier in May, the Pakistan Crypto Council unveiled plans for a government-led strategic Bitcoin reserve and allocated 2,000 MW of electricity to support bitcoin mining and AI data centers . This aggressive move positions Pakistan as a forward-facing player in decentralized finance with strong state support.
Wall Street Links and Institutional Partnerships
During Saqib’s tour, he also met with figures from Cantor Fitzgerald, including CEO Brandon Lutnick, to explore tokenization, mining infrastructure, and Web 3 integration ﹘ discussions that highlighted New York’s role as a global crypto hub . These Wall Street connections add institutional depth to Pakistan’s digital asset strategy and signal growing interest in Pakistani partnerships.
Regulatory Framework and Institutional Backbone
Pakistan has made significant strides on the policy side. In March 2025, the Pakistan Crypto Council launched under the Finance Ministry, with Bilal Bin Saqib appointed CEO and special assistant to the prime minister . In April, Pakistan introduced a legal framework aligned with Financial Action Task Force standards and created the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA) to oversee the sector . On June 6, a high-level review meeting chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb advanced the draft legislation, fast-tracking approvals for governance, licensing, and investor protection .
Cultural Ties and Strategic Timing
The meeting coincided with Mayor Adams extending Eid Mubarak greetings to New York’s 800,000-strong Muslim community. This act underscored the symbolic unity and cultural resonance between the two regions—a foundation upon which stronger economic and technological cooperation could be built .
A Shared Roadmap for Web 3 Ecosystems
This partnership sets the stage for collaborative initiatives at the intersection of policy, finance, and emerging technologies. With shared challenges such as regulatory clarity, cross-border compliance, and infrastructure scaling, both cities are poised to benefit from strategic cooperation. Platforms for capacity-building, advisory exchanges, and institutional learning are in development to support this shared ambition .
Global Context and Forward Outlook
Pakistan’s engagement reflects a broader geopolitical shift: emerging economies are increasingly asserting leadership in digital asset ecosystems. With operational Crypto Councils, national bitcoin reserves, and priority investment in mining and AI, Pakistan is advancing from crypto curiosity to credible crypto contender. Collaboration with New York enhances global credibility and may unlock future partnerships with institutional players in finance and technology .
The seamless cultural and technological rapport demonstrated by the “New York is Lahore” sentiment suggests a foundation robust enough to support transformative projects in blockchain and digital finance. Both parties now aim to operationalize their shared vision through practical exchanges, policy harmonization, and regulatory cooperation designed to position them as leaders in responsible Web 3 innovation.
Summary of Key Headlines Covered:
- Symbolic Unity and Technological Diplomacy
- Crypto Councils Forge International Cooperation
- Building Blocks of Web 3 Innovation
- Pakistan’s Vision for a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve
- Wall Street Links and Institutional Partnerships
- Regulatory Framework and Institutional Backbone
- Cultural Ties and Strategic Timing
- A Shared Roadmap for Web 3 Ecosystems
- Global Context and Forward Outlook