KARACHI: Pakistan highlighted the convergence of drone technology, blockchain and digital assets as a foundation for the next phase of industrial development, as Minister of State and Chairman of the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA) Bilal Bin Saqib addressed the 10th World Drone Congress in Shenzhen, a statement said on Friday.
Pakistan was designated Country of Honour at the event, which is regarded as a leading global platform for drone technology, autonomous systems, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) innovation and the low-altitude economy, bringing together participants from more than 120 countries and regions.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Saqib highlighted the integration of drones, blockchain, digital assets and machine-to-machine technologies as key drivers of what he described as the emerging machine economy.
He said drone technology, when combined with digitalisation and blockchain, could transform logistics, supply chain management, data governance, smart city infrastructure, industrial monitoring and emergency response systems.
Saqib added that blockchain integration could improve safety, transparency and operational efficiency across drone ecosystems, while strengthening trust and compliance mechanisms across industries.
He said Pakistan was actively developing its digital economy and building a forward-looking regulatory framework for virtual assets aimed at supporting innovation and emerging technologies.
According to him, the integration of blockchain with drone systems presents opportunities for cross-border collaboration and scalable models for autonomous technologies.
Saqib expressed hope that the congress would help deepen international cooperation in drone technology and digital assets, accelerate regulatory alignment and innovation, and support sustainable industrial growth and digital transformation.
He said the combined evolution of drones and blockchain could become a key driver of the next wave of global industrial innovation.
