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In a bold move to position Pakistan at the forefront of blockchain and cryptocurrency innovation, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has appointed Bilal Bin Saqib as Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Blockchain and Cryptocurrency, with the status of a state minister. This appointment raises the size of the federal cabinet to 55 members and highlights the government’s growing focus on integrating digital technologies into the economy and governance.
A Strategic Appointment Amid a National Digital Shift
The appointment comes shortly after Bilal Bin Saqib was named Chief Advisor to the Finance Minister for the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC), where he also serves as CEO. His new government role will involve:
- Developing a FATF-compliant regulatory framework for digital assets
- Launching Bitcoin mining initiatives supported by government resources
- Leading blockchain integration in public governance, financial infrastructure, and land records
These efforts are part of a national push to formalize and capitalize on Pakistan’s $300 billion informal crypto economy, and unlock the potential of a youth-driven, tech-savvy population.
2,000MW Power Allocation for Bitcoin & AI Infrastructure
The announcement coincides with another landmark policy move: the allocation of 2,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity for the first phase of Pakistan’s Bitcoin mining and AI data center initiative. This signals a serious commitment from the federal government to back emerging technologies with real-world infrastructure and energy resources.
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In a related development, the Ministry of Finance introduced a comprehensive national strategy for digital assets, paving the way for regulatory clarity and investor confidence in a sector previously left in a legal grey area.
Pakistan Digital Assets Authority (PDAA) Launched
To spearhead the country’s virtual economy, the government has launched the Pakistan Digital Assets Authority (PDAA). This newly established body will:
- Regulate the $300 billion crypto market
- Oversee the tokenisation of national assets and government debt
- Enable monetization of surplus electricity through regulated Bitcoin mining
- Provide legal clarity for both local and international crypto investors
- Promote inclusive innovation, support startups, and empower youth
This body aims to create a world-class digital financial infrastructure that puts Pakistan on the map as a crypto and blockchain innovation hub.
Pakistan’s Crypto Landscape: High Potential, High Engagement
Pakistan’s crypto ecosystem is one of the most vibrant in the world:
- Over 50 million crypto users nationwide
- Annual trading volume exceeds $300 billion
- Ranked consistently in the top 5 countries for crypto adoption
- Home to the third-largest freelancer workforce globally
- 70% of Pakistan’s 240 million citizens are under 30
- More than 50,000 IT graduates enter the workforce each year
With such a favorable demographic and rapidly growing digital literacy, the country is well-positioned to leverage blockchain for innovation, governance, and economic empowerment.
Who Is Bilal Bin Saqib?
A London-based entrepreneur, Bilal Bin Saqib has built a global reputation for digital innovation and social entrepreneurship.
- Awarded an MBE (Member of the British Empire) in 2023 by King Charles III for humanitarian work
- Founder of the One Million Meals campaign during COVID-19, which delivered over 100,000 meals to NHS staff and vulnerable groups in the UK
- Holds a Master’s in Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship from the London School of Economics (LSE)
- Recipient of the 1632nd Points of Light Award by the UK Prime Minister for his community contributions
- Co-founder of Tayaba, a Pakistani social enterprise tackling water scarcity through the H2O Wheel, a rural water transport innovation
His diverse background in blockchain, philanthropy, and innovation makes him uniquely qualified to bridge the gap between technology and policy.
