Pakistan’s federal government named Bilal bin Saqib the finance minister’s chief adviser on the newly formed Pakistan Crypto Council.
The move, announced by the Finance Division, follows a February 25 push to embrace digital currencies, sparked by a meeting between Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and a foreign delegation, including Trump’s digital asset advisers.
Saqib, a Forbes ‘30 Under 30’ alum and cofounder of Tayaba, a social enterprise tackling Pakistan’s water crisis, brings hefty credentials. The press release hailed him as a “Web3 investor, strategic adviser, and blockchain thought leader,” spotlighting his 2023 MBE for NHS contributions in the UK. “His appointment reaffirms Pakistan’s drive for tech advancement and a secure financial system,” the statement declared.
Humbled to be appointed as the Chief Advisor to the Finance Minister on the Pakistan Crypto Council.
Pakistan ranks among the top 10 countries in crypto adoption, with massive room for innovation in DeFi, RWA Tokenization, AI and beyond.
The Council aims to build a balanced,… pic.twitter.com/MY2kJV7CCk
— Bilal bin Saqib MBE (@Bilalbinsaqib) March 5, 2025In his role, Saqib will steer the Pakistan Crypto Council, weaving cryptocurrency and blockchain into the nation’s financial fabric. He’ll craft a robust regulatory framework aligned with global standards and advise on AI to boost government efficiency and innovation. “Crypto and blockchain hold huge potential for Pakistan’s youth, the digital future’s engine,” Saqib said. “With smart policies, we can lead the region.”
Aurangzeb praised Saqib’s gig as “crucial” for navigating the crypto landscape. “His leadership will foster innovation and growth in a transparent system,” he noted. The Finance Division dubbed it a “significant step” for Pakistan to tackle economic and security challenges, eyeing regional crypto dominance.
