In a landmark move, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has appointed Bilal Bin Saqib as the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Blockchain and Crypto, granting him the status of Minister of State. This appointment places Pakistan among a select group of countries—including the United States, El Salvador, and the UAE—that have established dedicated leadership for cryptocurrency and blockchain policy.
Bilal Bin Saqib, who also serves as CEO of the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC) and Chief Advisor to the Finance Minister, brings a wealth of experience in digital innovation and international collaboration. Under his stewardship, the PCC has forged strategic partnerships, most notably signing a landmark agreement with World Liberty Financial (WLF)—a decentralized finance platform backed by U.S. President Donald Trump—to advance blockchain innovation and stablecoin adoption in Pakistan. He has also brought global crypto leaders into the fold, inviting Binance founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ) to serve as Strategic Advisor to the PCC, with a focus on regulatory development, infrastructure, and education.
A graduate of the London School of Economics (LSE) with a Master’s in Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Bilal has been recognized in Forbes Asia’s 30 Under 30 for his social impact work and was recently honored with an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) by King Charles III.
As SAPM, Bilal Bin Saqib will be tasked with developing a comprehensive, FATF-compliant regulatory framework for digital assets, launching national Bitcoin mining initiatives, and overseeing the integration of blockchain technology in governance, finance, and land records. He will also facilitate the licensing and oversight of virtual asset service providers (VASPs), champion investor protection, and drive the growth of Pakistan’s Web3 ecosystem.
This appointment signals Pakistan’s commitment to embracing global digital trends and empowering youth leadership in emerging technologies. The move mirrors international developments, such as the United States’ appointment of David Sacks as the White House AI and Crypto Czar under President Trump, and underscores Pakistan’s ambition to become a regional leader in digital assets.
Bilal Bin Saqib appointed SAPM on Blockchain and Crypto with Minister of State StatusBilal Bin Saqib appointed SAPM on Blockchain and Crypto with Minister of State Status
With over 60% of its population under the age of 30, Pakistan is uniquely positioned to capitalize on the blockchain and crypto revolution. Bilal Bin Saqib described the moment as a “unique opportunity to leapfrog into the future of technology, where blockchain and crypto will drive economic growth, innovation, and global competitiveness.”
