Islamabad – September 2025: In a landmark decision reflecting Pakistan’s growing commitment to emerging technologies, Prime Minister 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.
With this strategic appointment, Pakistan joins an exclusive group of nations—including the United States, El Salvador, and the United Arab Emirates—that have appointed dedicated national leadership for blockchain and cryptocurrency initiatives.
Driving National Blockchain and Crypto Strategy
Bilal Bin Saqib currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC) and as Chief Advisor to the Finance Minister. In these roles, he has led efforts to bridge Pakistan with key global technology stakeholders.
Under his leadership, the PCC signed a landmark partnership with World Liberty Financial (WLF)—a decentralized finance platform backed by former U.S. President Donald Trump—to accelerate blockchain innovation and stablecoin adoption in Pakistan. He also brought global crypto leader Changpeng Zhao (CZ), founder of Binance, on board as Strategic Advisor to the PCC, aiming to support regulatory development, infrastructure enhancement, and crypto education initiatives across the country.
Key Responsibilities as SAPM
As SAPM on Blockchain and Crypto, Bilal Bin Saqib will be responsible for:
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Developing a comprehensive, FATF-compliant regulatory framework for digital assets,
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Launching Bitcoin mining initiatives,
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Overseeing blockchain integration across governance, finance, and land records,
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Facilitating licensing and oversight of Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs),
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Championing investor protection and nurturing a robust Web3 ecosystem in Pakistan.
A Leader with Global Recognition
An alumnus of the London School of Economics (LSE) with a Master’s in Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Bilal has earned global recognition for his work. He was featured in Forbes Asia 30 Under 30 for his impact in the social sector and was recently honored with the prestigious MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) by King Charles III.
A Bold Step Toward Digital Leadership
Bilal’s appointment underscores Pakistan’s intent to harness its youthful, digitally savvy population to leapfrog into a tech-driven future. The move echoes global trends, such as the United States appointing David Sacks as the White House AI and Crypto Czar under President Trump’s administration.
“Pakistan’s unique demographic and digital landscape offers an unprecedented opportunity to leapfrog into the future of technology, where blockchain and crypto will drive economic growth, innovation, and global competitiveness,” said Bilal Bin Saqib.
Tapping into a Digital Powerhouse
Pakistan consistently ranks in the top 10 globally for crypto adoption, with approximately 40 million users and an estimated $300 billion in annual trading volume, according to the 2023 Chainalysis Global Crypto Adoption Index. The country also produces 40,000 IT graduates annually and is home to the 4th largest freelance workforce in the world.
With over 60% of its population under the age of 30, Pakistan is uniquely positioned to become a major player in blockchain and cryptocurrency innovation.
This appointment marks a pivotal moment for the nation’s digital future—one that positions Pakistan to not just participate in the global digital economy but to lead it.
