- SAQIB is also CEO of PCC, chief advisor to the Minister of Finance.
- He will be responsible for launching Bitcoin extraction initiatives.
- SAQIB will also facilitate licenses and monitoring of virtual asset service providers.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has appointed Bilal Bin Saqib as a special PM assistant (SAPM) on blockchain and crypto, with the status of the Minister of State.
This revolutionary decision positions Pakistan among an elite group of 7 to 9 nations, including the United States, El Salvador and the United Arab Emirates, with devoted leadership for cryptocurrency and blockchain, reporting a daring commitment to lead the global digital economy.
SAQIB is also chief executive officer of Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC) and chief advisor to the Minister of Finance.
As CEO of Pakistan Crypto Council, Bilal has directed strategic collaborations and built critical bridges between Pakistan and the world’s technological stakeholders.
Under its direction, the Council signed a historic partnership with World Liberty Financial (WLF) – a decentralized financial platform supported by US President Donald Trump – to help stimulate blockchain innovation and the adoption of stablescoin in Pakistan.
He also invited Changpeng Zhao (CZ), founder of Binance, and appointed him strategic advisor to the PCC to help shape regulatory development, expansion of infrastructure and education programs for crypto in Pakistan.
A graduate of the London School of Economics (LSE) with a master’s degree in social innovation and entrepreneurship, he was presented in Forbes Asia 30 less than 30 for her work on social impact.
SAQIB was also honored with the prestigious MBE (member of the Order of the British Empire) of King Charles III.
As SAPM, Bilal will be responsible for:
● Develop a complete regulatory framework and in accordance with FATF for digital assets
● Launch of Bitcoin extraction initiatives
● Supervise the integration of blockchain into governance, finances and land files
● Facilitate licenses and monitoring of virtual asset service providers (VASP)
● Defending the protection of investors and the growth of Web3 ecosystems in Pakistan
This appointment reflects Pakistan’s commitment to align with global trends. Just as the United States has brought leaders like David Sacks – named by Trump like the White House AI and the Czar Crypto – in its digital policy, Pakistan adopts an avant -garde approach by empowering a young leader to help direct the national strategy in emerging technologies.
Pakistan is held at a critical digital crossroads. The country ranks regularly in the top 10 around the world for the adoption of cryptography, according to the overall crypto index for adoption of global 2023 cryptography, with around 40 million crypto users and an annual crypto trading volume greater than $ 300 billion. The nation produces around 40,000 computer diplomas per year and has the 4th largest independent market in the world.
This rapid adoption of emerging technologies, combined with a young population where more than 60% of citizens are under 30, positions Pakistan to be one of the biggest beneficiaries of blockchain and cryptographic progress during the next decade.
The development of strategic policies in these areas is not only an opportunity but a national imperative.
According to SAQIB: “The unique demographic and digital landscape of Pakistan offers an unprecedented opportunity to jump in the future of technology – where blockchain and crypto will stimulate economic growth, innovation and global competitiveness.”