Crypto state minister meets NYC mayor to boost digital ties

KARACHI: In a symbolic show of digital unity, New York City Mayor Eric Adams told Minister of State for Crypto and Blockchain Bilal Bin Saqib that “we consider New York to be Lahore”.

The remark was made during a meeting at the mayor’s official residence, Gracie Mansion, when Saqib invited Adams to Pakistan, suggesting joint work on crypto regulation and innovation, as both governments ramp up efforts to shape the future of Web3.

New York and Pakistan have each launched dedicated Crypto Councils to promote responsible growth of the digital asset sector. The meeting marked a step towards direct collaboration between the two councils, with plans to develop knowledge-sharing, capacity-building, and policy advisory initiatives.

Discussions also touched on shared regulatory challenges and the need for inclusive digital infrastructure in emerging and developed economies alike.

The meeting coincided with Mayor Adams’ Eid greetings for Muslim communities. With more than 800,000 Muslim residents, New York City is home to one of the largest Muslim populations in the US. The meeting served as both a cultural gesture and a nod to shared ambitions in the evolving global tech landscape.

Saqib’s visit to Gracie Mansion concluded his official US tour, which focused on blockchain innovation, public-private partnerships and international crypto cooperation.

In his week-long visit to the US, the state minister held discussions with Senator Cynthia Lummis, co-author of major crypto legislation in the US, as well as Senators Bill Hagerty, Rick Scott, Tim Sheehy, and Jim Justice -- several of whom support designating Bitcoin as a strategic reserve asset.

Meetings were also held with Representatives Troy Downing, Ryan Zinke, Rick McCormick, and Derrick Van Orden, all involved in shaping digital asset policy.Saqib was in the US to participate in the Bitcoin 2025 Conference, held in Las Vegas, where he unveiled the country’s first-ever, government-led strategic Bitcoin reserve.