The Government of Pakistan has named Bilal Bin Saqib MBE as the Chief Adviser to the Finance Minister on the Pakistan Crypto Council, reinforcing the country’s commitment to technological advancement, regulatory development, and a transparent financial ecosystem.
According to an official notification from the Finance Ministry, Bilal’s appointment is effective immediately and will remain in place until further orders. The decision aligns with Pakistan’s focus on fostering innovation while ensuring a secure and sustainable digital economy.
A recognized investor and adviser in the Web3 sector, Bilal has represented Pakistan on global platforms, including NFT NYC, the World Economic Forum, ETH Barcelona, and Token 2049. His expertise extends across decentralized finance (DeFi), decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs), artificial intelligence (AI), and institutional blockchain solutions. He has played a key role in promoting blockchain education and adoption in Pakistan.
Bilal, who was featured in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list, has received notable recognition, including an MBE (Member of the British Empire) in 2023 for his contributions to the UK’s National Health Service. He has also been honored by King Charles III, the late Queen Elizabeth II, and the Mayor of London.
Welcoming his appointment, Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb highlighted Bilal’s vast expertise and strategic vision, emphasizing the role he will play in shaping Pakistan’s stance in the evolving digital economy.
“Mr. Saqib’s appointment reflects our commitment to emerging technologies while maintaining a secure and transparent financial system. His leadership will be instrumental in crafting a strong regulatory framework that fosters innovation and sustainable growth in Pakistan’s crypto sector,” the minister stated.
Bilal stressed the potential of Pakistan’s young population in driving digital innovation. “With nearly 70% of the population under 30, we have a tech-savvy workforce ready to propel Pakistan into the digital future. By adopting progressive crypto and blockchain policies, we can attract foreign investment, create jobs, and secure Pakistan’s place on the global crypto landscape,” he said.
Pakistan ranked third in global crypto adoption in 2021 and remains among the top 10. Bilal believes that with the right policies, the country can leverage this position for substantial economic gains.
The Pakistan Crypto Council will serve as an advisory body comprising government officials, regulatory authorities, and industry experts. It will oversee policy formulation and collaborate with international counterparts to establish standardized frameworks.
Bilal, an alumnus of the London School of Economics (LSE) with a Master’s in Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship, is also the founder of Tayaba Organisation, a non-profit dedicated to improving water accessibility in underserved communities.
In 2021, his organization became the first in Pakistan—and among the first globally—to raise funds through NFTs, successfully generating Rs2 million. This initiative pioneered a new fundraising approach by linking non-fungible tokens (NFTs) to real-world humanitarian aid.
