Pakistan has made great strides since May 2025 to establish itself as a digital hub, drawing it ever closer to the pro-crypto Trump Administration. However, its improving ties with the United States, the global economic powerhouse, have sparked unfounded criticism from media figures in neighbouring India.

 

An Indian media outlet has claimed that Pakistan’s improving ties with the US are linked to its dealings with World Liberty Financial (WLF), a crypto venture associated with President Donald Trump’s family. The anchor falsely labelled WLF as “a completely illegal business” and baselessly alleged that it is “used mostly by drug traffickers.”

 

Moreover, the anchor in question further claimed that Field Marshal Asim Munir was the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of WLF. Meanwhile, Indian media outlets have long alleged that the military meddles in the affairs of the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC). 

 

It merits a mention that this is not the first time Indian media has undermined Pakistan’s crypto progress by portraying it as an attempt to strengthen ties with the US. Recent reports claimed that Pakistan’s dealings with WLF and Fr8Tech on virtual assets were efforts to “curry favour with political players in Washington”.

 

Moreover, the Indian media has been pushing a political narrative, baselessly suggesting that Pakistan’s military will soon take control of the country’s digital asset landscape. Some reports went as far as alleging that virtual asset bodies would be dominated by military officials, drawing a misleading parallel with the 36 active-duty officers who “reportedly” oversee the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).

 

However, it merits a mention that the PCC, Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, and Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA) were all created by formal democratic channels, with no evidence of military involvement.

 

Apart from working with Pakistan on virtual asset initiatives, the US recently lowered tariffs on imports from Pakistan to a reasonable 19 percent - one of the lowest US tariffs on exports in South Asia. Meanwhile, India faces a steep 50 percent tariff.