Bilal Bin Saqib appointed SAPM on blockchain, crypto

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif raised the number of his cabinet members to 55 on Monday by appointing Bilal Bin Saqib as his special assistant on blockchain and cryptocurrency, with the status of state minister.

The appointment comes just weeks after Saqib was named Chief Advisor to the Finance Minister for the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC), where he also serves as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

According to the press release, Saqib’s responsibilities will include developing a comprehensive, FATF-compliant regulatory framework for digital assets, launching Bitcoin mining initiatives, and overseeing blockchain integration in governance, finance, and land records.

The recent development comes a day after the federal govenrment announced a 2,000 megawatt (MW) electricity allocation for the first phase of a national initiative to support Bitcoin mining and Artificial Intelligence (AI) data centres.

Read more: Govt allocates 2,000MW for AI data centres, bitcoin mining

In a key development aligned with these efforts, the Ministry of Finance also unveiled a comprehensive strategy to regulate digital assets and accelerate the growth of Pakistan’s virtual asset economy. As part of this initiative, the government has endorsed the creation of a dedicated body — the Pakistan Digital Assets Authority (PDAA) — tasked with overseeing blockchain-based financial infrastructure, according to an official statement released by the Ministry.

The PDAA is expected to regulate a $300 billion informal crypto market, facilitate the tokenisation of national assets and government debt, provide legal clarity to global and local investors, and enable monetisation of Pakistan’s surplus electricity through regulated Bitcoin mining. Additionally, the authority aims to promote best practices for innovation, ensure economic inclusion, and empower youth and startups to build blockchain-based solutions at scale.

The Pakistan Crypto Council continues to operate as a national force for crypto policy, innovation, youth empowerment, and international engagement in crypto and blockchain. Pakistan is home to over 50 million crypto users, with an annual trading volume exceeding $300 billion. The country consistently ranks in the top 5 globally for crypto adoption, reflecting its strong grassroots engagement with digital assets. Out of a population of 240 million, 70% of Pakistanis are under the age of 30.

Pakistan boasts a highly favorable demographic for widespread crypto adoption, making it one of the most promising emerging markets for blockchain and digital finance innovation. Pakistan is also the third-largest freelancer market in the world, showcasing its dynamic and entrepreneurial digital workforce. Each year, over 50,000 IT graduates enter the workforce, adding to the country’s growing pool of tech-savvy youth ready to drive innovation and participate in the global digital economy.

Who is Bilal Bin Saqib?

A London-based entrepreneur, Bilal Bin Saqib has been at the forefront of digital innovation and social impact. Recognized by King Charles III, the late Queen Elizabeth II, and the Mayor of London, Saqib’s work spans across blockchain technology, crypto investments, and social entrepreneurship.

In 2023, he was awarded an MBE (Member of the British Empire) for his humanitarian efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, during which he led the One Million Meals initiative, delivering over 100,000 meals to NHS staff and vulnerable populations across the UK.

His academic credentials include a Master’s in Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship from the London School of Economics (LSE). He also received the 1632nd Points of Light Award, a recognition granted by the British Prime Minister to individuals making outstanding contributions to their communities.

Beyond his work in fintech, Saqib co-founded Tayaba, a social enterprise focused on Pakistan’s water crisis, introducing the H2O Wheel, an innovative water transportation device designed to ease the burden on rural communities.