Pakistan appoints crypto adviser as country aims to leapfrog into digital future

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appointed Bilal Bin Saqib on Monday as the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Blockchain and Crypto, granting him the status of Minister of State.

As per a notification issued by the Ministry of Finance, "The move places Pakistan among an elite group of fewer than 10 countries, including the United States, El Salvador, and the United Arab Emirates, with dedicated leadership in the fields of cryptocurrency and blockchain."

Saqib is the Chief Executive Officer of the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC) and serves as Chief Adviser to the Finance Minister. He is known for leading strategic collaborations and building global partnerships in the technology sector.

As CEO of the PCC, Saqib signed a landmark partnership with World Liberty Financial (WLF), a decentralized finance platform backed by U.S. President Donald Trump. The agreement aims to drive blockchain innovation and promote stablecoin adoption in Pakistan.

Under his leadership, the PCC invited Binance founder Changpeng Zhao—widely known as CZ—and appointed him as Strategic Advisor to the Council. Zhao will assist with regulatory development, infrastructure expansion, and education programs in the crypto space.

Who is Bilal Bin Saqib?

Saqib, a graduate of the London School of Economics with a master’s degree in Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship, has been featured in Forbes Asia 30 Under 30 for his work in social impact, the notification from the Ministry of Finance read.

He has also been awarded the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) by King Charles III.

In his new role as SAPM, Saqib will be responsible for developing a comprehensive, FATF-compliant regulatory framework for digital assets. His mandate includes launching national Bitcoin mining initiatives and integrating blockchain into governance, finance, and land records.

Other responsibilities include overseeing licensing and regulatory oversight for virtual asset service providers (VASPs) and promoting investor protection and the development of a Web3 ecosystem in Pakistan.

The ministry stated that, "The appointment signals a bold commitment to digital transformation in Pakistan and reflects the country’s effort to align with global trends. Just as the United States has tapped David Sacks—appointed by President Trump as the White House AI and Crypto Czar—Pakistan is empowering a young leader to shape its strategy in emerging technologies."

“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,” Saqib said.

Pakistan’s crypto adoption

Pakistan is currently ranked among the top 10 countries globally for crypto adoption, according to the 2023 Chainalysis Global Crypto Adoption Index. The country has an estimated 40 million crypto users and an annual trading volume exceeding $300 billion.

Each year, Pakistan produces around 40,000 IT graduates and hosts the world’s fourth-largest freelance workforce. With over 60% of the population under the age of 30, experts say the country is positioned to benefit significantly from blockchain and crypto advancements.

Officials say the government’s latest move is part of a broader strategy to modernize the digital economy and ensure that the country remains competitive in a rapidly evolving global technology landscape.