Bilal made SAPM to lead Pakistan’s blockchain, crypto future

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has appointed Bilal Bin Saqib as the Special Assistant to the PM (SAPM) on Blockchain and Crypto, with the status of state minister.

This groundbreaking decision positions Pakistan among an elite group of 7-9 nations, including the United States, El Salvador, and the UAE, with dedicated leadership for cryptocurrency and blockchain, signalling a bold commitment to leading the global digital economy. Saqib also serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC) and Chief Advisor to the Finance Minister.

As CEO of the Pakistan Crypto Council, Bilal has spearheaded strategic collaborations and built critical bridges between Pakistan and global technology stakeholders. Under his leadership, the Council signed a landmark partnership with World Liberty Financial (WLF) a decentralised finance platform backed by US President Donald Trump to help drive blockchain innovation and stablecoin adoption in Pakistan.

He also invited Changpeng Zhao (CZ), founder of Binance, and appointed him as Strategic Advisor to the PCC to help shape regulatory development, infrastructure expansion, and education programs for crypto in Pakistan.

A graduate of the London School of Economics (LSE) with a Master s in Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship, he has been featured in Forbes Asia 30 Under 30 for his work in social impact.

Saqib has also been honoured with the prestigious MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) from King Charles III.

As SAPM, Bilal will be responsible for: Developing a comprehensive, FATF-compliant regulatory framework for digital assets Launching Bitcoin mining initiatives Overseeing blockchain integration in governance, finance, and land records Facilitating licensing and oversight of virtual asset service providers (VASPs)

Championing investor protection and Web3 ecosystem growth in Pakistan This appointment reflects Pakistan s commitment to aligning with global trends. Just as the United States has brought leaders like David Sacks appointed by Trump as the White House AI and Crypto Czar into its digital policy framework, Pakistan is taking a forward-thinking approach by empowering a youth leader to help steer national strategy in emerging technologies.

Pakistan stands at a critical digital crossroads. The country consistently ranks in the top 10 globally for crypto adoption, according to the 2023 Chainalysis Global Crypto Adoption Index, with approximately 40 million crypto users and an annual crypto trading volume exceeding $300 billion. The nation produces around 40,000 IT graduates annually and boasts the 4th largest freelancer market worldwide.

This rapid uptake of emerging technologies, combined with a youthful population where over 60% of citizens are under the age of 30, positions Pakistan to be one of the biggest beneficiaries of blockchain and crypto advancements in the coming decade.

Strategic policymaking in these fields is not just an opportunity but a national imperative. According to Saqib: Pakistan s unique demographic and digital landscape offers an unprecedented opportunity to leapfrog into the future of technologywhere blockchain and crypto will drive economic growth, innovation, and global competitiveness.