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 is supported by a grant from Stacks Foundation which was co-founded by Dr. Muneeb Ali - a LUMS alumnus 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.
The timing of CeDAR's launch coincides with Pakistan's growing interest in cryptocurrency regulation, making the center's role particularly crucial. Speakers emphasized how CeDAR will serve as a neutral platform where industry experts, policymakers, and academics can collaborate to develop balanced frameworks for digital assets. The center arrives as Pakistan's government has formed a dedicated Crypto Council chaired by the Finance Minister, demonstrating serious institutional engagement with blockchain technology.
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. Several speakers noted how early investment in blockchain education could help reverse brain drain by creating high-value opportunities within Pakistan. The center aims to produce not just skilled developers but also thought leaders who can shape policy and drive adoption across South Asia.
The event speakers expressed strong optimism about Pakistan's potential to become a regional hub for Web 3.0 innovation. They emphasized that while blockchain adoption is still in early stages globally, 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.
