It is all too easy to get lost in the buzz. Everywhere you look, someone’s talking about making money through crypto, NFTs or stock trading. Influencers make it sound like all you have to do is open an app, make a few moves and boom, you’re rich. Welcome to Pakistan’s Digital Finance Game.
But behind all the glitter and promises lies a tougher reality. Although crypto is now legal in Pakistan, the Pakistan Crypto Council is supposed to protect investors. The battlefield has not changed; only the weapons have become more creative.
In a country where financial education is not normalised and scamming is the “business model”. It is almost a gamble instead of an opportunity. Throwing your money into crypto without understanding the risks is not any better than handing your wallet to a thief.
Fake financial gurus, shady platforms and influencer-backed schemes are not the exception; they are the rule. One wrong app, one fake trading group, and your hard-earned savings are history.
So, the real questions are: are we walking into a brighter financial future? or are we just blindly running towards the next big scam wrapped in nice packaging?
The Rise of Digital Finance
Pakistan’s financial landscape is shifting, driven by the surge in interest in cryptocurrencies, NFTs and online trading. Platforms like Binance and KTrade have become popular amongst Pakistanis seeking alternative ways to invest and hedge against inflation and currency devaluation.
However, a clear regulatory framework remains absent. While crypto is technically legal in Pakistan, the lack of a clear regulatory framework creates a confusing environment for investors. The State Bank of Pakistan has issued multiple warnings about the volatility and risks of crypto, leaving investors in a grey area, torn between the promise of opportunity and the fear of collapse.
The Hype: Easy Profits, Big Promises
The excitement around digital finance often overshadows the reality. Social media influencers and self-styled investment coaches present crypto and NFTs as a ticket out of poverty, flaunting profits without acknowledging losses.
The promise of instant wealth makes people overlook the unstable ground they are stepping on, and it is just too good to resist. Figures like Waqar Zaka have built massive followings by championing crypto as the answer to Pakistan’s financial woes, claiming that cryptocurrencies are the future of finance, especially in a country with an underdeveloped banking system. Yet, while the message is loud, the disclaimers are quiet. This imbalance puts unseasoned investors in harm’s way.
The Reality Check: Scams and the Illusion of Safety
Pakistan’s crypto boom has a dark underbelly; fraudulent schemes, ponzi platforms, and sudden disappearances of companies that once promised exponential returns. Many investors find themselves trapped in scams that feel less like mistakes and more like inevitabilities.
In 2023, thousands were duped by a “revolutionary” trading app, a “promising platform” offering extremely high returns. After attracting thousands of users, the platform disappeared overnight. Despite repeated examples, the cycle continues: overhype + blind trust = financial ruin.
Real Stories: Local Faces in a Global Game
1. Waqar Zaka – The Crypto Evangelist
Waqar Zaka, a Pakistani crypto influencer, has been an outspoken advocate for cryptocurrencies, promoting them as a way to escape Pakistan’s economic instability. Zaka’s website, YouTube channel and social media accounts have amassed millions of followers, where he shares his experiences and knowledge about crypto, blockchain, and decentralised finance (DeFi). He has earned a reputation as one of the leading figures in Pakistan’s cryptocurrency scene. In early 2024, he reportedly earned over $48,000 in just a few hours of live-streaming his cryptocurrency trades.
2. Ali Farid Khwaja – Chairman of KTrade Securities
Ali Farid Khwaja, chairman of KTrade Securities, represents a different side of Pakistan’s digital finance wave, stock trading. He recently shared insights on Binance, a platform used by millions of Pakistanis, and its role in shaping global crypto markets. According to Khwaja, platforms like Binance allow Pakistani investors to get involved with cryptocurrency, but they must tread carefully as the risks involved are still high.
3. Mashal Khan – Actress Turned Financial Influencer
Mashal Khan, a popular Pakistani actress, has pivoted into the world of finance, becoming an advocate for investment education. In collaboration with Alfalah Investments, she has launched campaigns that encourage Pakistanis to explore the world of stocks, mutual funds and crypto.
Mashal believes that financial literacy is essential to navigating the digital finance world, and she emphasises financial transparency and ethical practices, particularly in promoting high-risk assets like crypto. Mashal’s reach on social media platforms like Instagram allows her to connect with younger audiences, advocating for informed investment decisions rather than chasing get-rich-quick schemes.
High Stakes and Unclear Regulations
Cryptocurrencies and NFTs are touted as the next big thing in financial technology. While some investors are making gains, the absence of clear regulations has led to volatility. The State Bank of Pakistan has cautioned investors against the risks associated with these digital assets. The volatility of Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies implies that fortunes can be made or lost within hours.
Moreover, with the rapid rise in NFT sales, many digital assets have seen a surge in price followed by a steep decline, leaving investors who entered at the peak with heavy losses. The speculative nature of these markets, combined with the lack of regulatory oversight, makes them particularly risky for new investors.
Worth the Gamble?
Entering Pakistan’s digital finance space is a test of both knowledge and nerves. The potential for reward exists, but so does the risk of ruin. Financial literacy, not enthusiasm, is the only real safeguard. Investors need to ask better questions, do their homework, and stop taking investment tips from people who also promote lifestyle products of questionable merits.
Financial Future or a Trap?
The world of cryptocurrency, NFTs, and online stock trading in Pakistan presents both tremendous opportunities and considerable risks. Online platforms have opened up access to digital finance, but they also come with challenges in terms of scams and market volatility.
It’s clear that the hype around digital finance in Pakistan is real, but the reality of the situation is far from certain. For many, this gamble yields financial growth, but for others, it could mean losing it all. If you’re willing to take the risk, make sure you understand the stakes, and remember, in the real world, there’s no such thing as easy money.
