Gray-market era for crypto is ending in Pakistan 🇵🇰


The government is actively bringing compliant Centralized Exchanges into the formal system. Banking is opening up, and the demand is already there.
Here are 6 reasons for CEXs, Pakistan should be a key market in your GTM.
1. Population ≈ 255–259 million, 5th largest globally with very young demographic.
2. Pakistan ranked 3rd worldwide in Chainalysis Global Crypto Adoption Index 2025.
3. Estimated 15–40 million users; held crypto assets commonly cited in the $20–25 billion range.
4. High trading volume, around $300 billion annually was already estimated, even while crypto was still completely in the grey area.
5. Inflation ≈11% in mid-2026 and historical PKR volatility continue to drive demand for crypto as a hedge and store of value. Exactly the same dynamic that powered Turkey.
6. Active local creator and influencer ecosystem (dozens of high-engagement crypto KOLs).
Compliant CEXs can go from gray-market competition to regulated first-mover with banking rails and government alignment.
If you’re expanding a CEX, Pakistan belongs on the shortlist.
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