CeDAR: LUMS Launches Pakistan's First Web3 Research Hub
“If Pakistan seizes this opportunity correctly, it will be at the minimum a regional powerhouse. This is an opportunity for Pakistan to change the future of its children, and its children’s children.” - Muhammed Yesilhark, Chief Investment Officer, NOIA Capital.
Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) has taken a major leap into the future of finance and technology with the establishment of Pakistan's first Center for Digital Assets Research (CeDAR), marking a significant moment for Web 3.0 and blockchain development in Pakistan. This pioneering initiative has been made possible by LUMS alumnus, Dr. Muneeb Ali, Co-Founder of Stacks and CEO of Trust Machines.
The launch event highlighted CeDAR’s mission to advance education, policy development, and collaboration across stakeholders in decentralized internet and Web 3.0 technologies. It will serve as a neutral platform where industry experts, policymakers, and academics can come together.
The timing of CeDAR's launch coincides with Pakistan's growing interest in cryptocurrency regulation, making the center's role particularly crucial. Pakistan's government has formed a dedicated Crypto Council chaired by the Finance Minister, demonstrating serious institutional engagement with blockchain technology.
Building on this interest, a key focus of CeDAR will be education and research to nurture local talent in blockchain development. Dr. Muneeb Ali's involvement as both a successful entrepreneur and LUMS graduate was highlighted as particularly inspiring for young Pakistanis, showing that world-class innovation can emerge from Pakistani institutions. Speakers appreciated Dr. Ali for giving back to the next generation, noting how early investment in blockchain education could help reverse brain drain by creating high-value opportunities within Pakistan.
The event attendees expressed strong optimism about Pakistan's potential to become a regional hub for Web 3.0 innovation. They emphasized that since blockchain adoption is still in early stages globally but will produce a “tectonic shift,” Pakistan has the chance to establish itself as a leader rather than playing catch-up later.
With its combination of young talent, academic excellence through institutions like LUMS, and growing government engagement, Pakistan could leverage CeDAR's research to develop competitive advantages in digital finance and decentralized technologies.
Do you have experience studying, using, or working with digital assets? Let us know in the comments!
This article was developed with the assistance of AI tools.
