Bilal Bin Saqib, Chief Executive Officer of the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC), has stepped down from his role as special assistant to the prime minister on blockchain and cryptocurrency, according to a notification from the Cabinet Division.
The resignation, effective from August 21, was accepted by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and was formally signed on October 13. Saqib had been appointed to the position on May 26, holding the status of a minister of state.
Despite stepping down from the advisory role, Saqib continues to serve as the chairman of the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA). He was appointed to this position on August 1, also with minister of state status, on a pro bono basis for a three-year term.
PVARA operates as an autonomous federal body governed by a multi-stakeholder board that includes the governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, the chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan, and the chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue.
Its mandate focuses on curbing illicit finance, protecting consumers, and unlocking opportunities in fintech, remittances, and tokenised assets, while promoting Shariah-compliant innovation through regulatory sandboxes.
Saqib is recognized internationally for his contributions to innovation and social entrepreneurship. He was named in Forbes’ ‘30 under 30’ list for his work as cofounder of Tayaba, a social enterprise dedicated to addressing Pakistan’s water crisis.
Additionally, Saqib was awarded an MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) in 2023 for his contributions to the UK’s National Health Service. The MBE is a prestigious honor that recognizes outstanding achievement or service to the community with long-term, significant impact.
Through his work with PVARA, PCC, and various social initiatives, Saqib has played a pivotal role in shaping Pakistan’s blockchain and cryptocurrency landscape, as well as contributing to broader social and public service efforts both in Pakistan and internationally. His continued leadership at PVARA ensures ongoing regulatory guidance and oversight in the growing digital asset sector.
