Pakistan appoints Bilal Bin Saqib to lead crypto and blockchain efforts, boosting Bitcoin mining and digital finance - IcoHolder.

In a bold move signaling its commitment to the digital economy, the Pakistani government has appointed Bilal Bin Saqib as Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on blockchain and cryptocurrency. Saqib, who holds minister of state rank without salary or perks, will lead efforts to draft crypto regulations aligned with FATF standards, spearhead government-backed Bitcoin mining, and integrate blockchain into key public sectors such as finance and land records.

A prominent figure with a background in economics from the London School of Economics, Saqib is also the CEO of the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC) and a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree. He was awarded an MBE by King Charles III for his contributions to social causes. His new role is part of a broader national push to position Pakistan as a hub for digital innovation and crypto finance.

The appointment comes shortly after the creation of the Pakistan Digital Assets Authority (PDAA), which will oversee all major components of the digital finance ecosystem, including exchanges, wallets, and DeFi platforms. The government has also committed 2,000 megawatts of electricity to support Bitcoin mining and AI data centers, aiming to generate revenue, tech employment, and attract global capital.

In a notable development earlier this year, former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao joined the PCC as an advisor after serving a U.S. prison sentence for anti-money laundering violations. This move reflects growing international interest in Pakistan's evolving crypto framework.

However, the country’s accelerating crypto strategy has sparked concerns about motives and external influence. With foreign investment down 45% in February, Pakistan has been actively seeking U.S. support. In January, the government hired a U.S. lobbyist to arrange meetings in Washington, and the interior minister directly appealed for more investment.

Pakistan’s collaboration with World Liberty Financial (WLF), a Trump-linked crypto initiative, has added to the intrigue. After WLF co-founder Zach Witkoff visited Islamabad, Bilal Bin Saqib was appointed as an advisor to the project. The partnership seeks to explore the use of WLF’s stablecoin in trade and remittances. While the Wall Street Journal suggested Zhao is helping WLF with international outreach, he has strongly denied any such involvement, calling the report “another hit piece.”

Through its growing ties with WLF and the establishment of powerful crypto institutions, Pakistan is making an assertive play in the global digital asset arena, despite the geopolitical and economic uncertainties surrounding the sector.