Islamabad, Pakistan
The Government of Pakistan has appointed Bilal Bin Saqib as the Chief Advisor to the Finance Minister on the Pakistan Crypto Council. The Council is tasked with developing regulatory frameworks for cryptocurrency exchanges, exploring blockchain-based solutions, and attracting international investment to strengthen Pakistan’s digital finance sector.
According to the official notification issued by the Finance Ministry of Pakistan, “The Finance Ministry has been pleased to appoint Mr. Bilal Bin Saqib as Chief Advisor to the Finance Minister on Pakistan Crypto Council in Finance Division, in terms of Establishment Division’s O.M.No.1/11/2018(ii)-E-6, dated 09.04.2024, with immediate effect and until further orders.”
Background and Expertise
Bilal Bin Saqib is an advisor in the Web3 sector and has represented Pakistan at international forums, including NFT NYC, the World Economic Forum, ETH Barcelona, and Token 2049. His expertise includes blockchain applications, decentralized finance (DeFi), tokenization of real-world assets, and enterprise blockchain solutions. He has also contributed to blockchain education and awareness initiatives in Pakistan.
Saqlib has been featured on Forbes 30 Under 30 and recognized by King Charles III, the late Queen Elizabeth II, and the Mayor of London. In 2023, he was awarded an MBE (Member of the British Empire) for his contributions to the UK’s National Health Service.
Government’s Perspective
Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, welcomed the appointment, noting that Bilal Bin Saqib’s expertise would support Pakistan’s efforts in establishing a secure and transparent financial system. He stated:
“Mr. Saqib’s appointment underscores our commitment to embracing emerging technologies while ensuring a secure and transparent financial system. We are confident that his leadership will guide the development of a sound and effective regulatory framework, fostering innovation and sustainable growth in Pakistan’s crypto sector.”
Role and Vision
The Pakistan Crypto Council will serve as an advisory body comprising government representatives, regulatory authorities, and industry experts. It will focus on policy development, regulatory compliance, and international collaboration to align Pakistan with global standards.
Sharing his perspective on the country’s digital economy, Bilal Bin Saqib commented:
“With nearly 70% of Pakistan’s population under the age of 30, there is significant potential for digital innovation. By adopting a structured approach to crypto and blockchain, Pakistan can attract investment, generate employment, and enhance its presence in the global digital economy. In 2021, Pakistan ranked third in global crypto adoption, and it remains among the top 10 today. With well-defined policies, the country can further develop its blockchain ecosystem and explore new economic opportunities.”
In his new role, Bilal Bin Saqib will contribute to the formulation of regulatory policies, consumer protection measures, and innovation-driven initiatives. Analysts view his appointment as part of the government’s broader efforts to modernize Pakistan’s financial sector and strengthen its position in the digital economy.
Previous Initiatives
Bilal Bin Saqib holds a Master’s in Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship from the London School of Economics (LSE) and is the founder of Tayaba Organisation, a nonprofit organization focused on improving access to water in underprivileged communities. In 2021, his organization became the first Pakistani NGO to raise funds through an NFT-based fundraiser.
During Pakistan’s recent floods, Saqib co-founded SavePakistan, a crypto-based fundraising initiative that facilitated donations from the global blockchain community. The initiative also introduced non-fungible tokens (NFTs) linked to humanitarian aid efforts.
About the Pakistan Crypto Council
The Pakistan Crypto Council is an advisory body focused on shaping Pakistan’s cryptocurrency and blockchain policies. It collaborates with government entities, regulatory authorities, and industry experts to develop a balanced regulatory framework that fosters innovation while ensuring compliance and consumer protection. The Council aims to position Pakistan as a key player in the global digital finance landscape through strategic policymaking and international cooperation.
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