In a major development for Pakistan’s digital economy, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has appointed Bilal bin Saqib as the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Blockchain and Crypto, conferring upon him the status of Minister of State. This appointment marks a significant policy shift, reinforcing the government’s growing commitment to integrating blockchain and cryptocurrency technologies into Pakistan’s economic and technological framework.
Bilal bin Saqib is a well-known figure in the global blockchain and Web3 ecosystem. Prior to his new role, he served as Chief Advisor to the Finance Minister for the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC), where he continues to serve as CEO. His expertise in decentralized technologies and strategic investments in Web3 has earned him international acclaim. Notably, he was recognized by Forbes and was awarded the prestigious 1632nd Points of Light Award by the British Prime Minister for his impactful work in social and digital innovation.
Adding to his credentials, Saqib was honored with an MBE (Member of the British Empire) in 2023 for his notable contributions to the UK’s National Health Service, highlighting his commitment to public service and innovation. His appointment is widely viewed as a calculated move to position Pakistan as a forward-thinking player in the global digital asset economy.
The announcement comes at a critical time when Pakistan is actively formulating strategies to utilize its surplus energy resources for digital infrastructure projects. Just days prior to the appointment, the government revealed plans to allocate 2,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity to support Bitcoin mining operations and artificial intelligence (AI) data centers. This marks the initial phase of a broader national strategy aimed at converting unused energy into economic assets.
This groundbreaking initiative is being led by the Pakistan Strategy and Coordination Council (PSCC) under the Ministry of Finance. It is expected to not only attract foreign direct investment (FDI) but also position Pakistan as a competitive player in the rapidly expanding global digital asset landscape.
In his remarks following the appointment, Bilal bin Saqib expressed optimism about the transformative potential of blockchain and crypto-backed infrastructure. He emphasized that the use of surplus energy to mine Bitcoin presents a unique opportunity for Pakistan to generate foreign exchange while reducing its dependence on traditional monetary instruments.
He elaborated on the idea of the government establishing a national digital wallet to accumulate Bitcoin and other digital assets. Instead of selling power in Pakistani Rupees, the government could retain value in digital assets, which he believes would help stabilize the economy in the long term and provide a strategic financial buffer.
In parallel with these developments, the government has announced the creation of the Pakistan Digital Assets Authority (PDAA). The PDAA will serve as the regulatory body for blockchain-based financial infrastructure, and is a central pillar in the government’s plan to establish a transparent, compliant, and investor-friendly environment for digital assets.
Bilal bin Saqib’s appointment, combined with the national blockchain strategy and surplus energy conversion plan, reflects a decisive turn in Pakistan’s digital policy. As regulatory frameworks solidify and investment interest grows, Pakistan is signaling its readiness to become a regional hub for blockchain and cryptocurrency innovation.
