Bilal Bin Saqib appointed as special assistant to PM on blockchain, crypto

ISLAMABAD: Bilal Bin Saqib has been appointed as the special assistant to the Prime Minister on Blockchain and Crypto, acquiring the status of minister of state.

As per an official announcement from the Prime Minister’s Office on May 26, 2025, the appointment under Rule 4(6) of the 1973 Rules of Business comes into effect immediately.

Following the notification, the Cabinet Division has been instructed to carry out any further required action.The action shows how much attention the administration is paying to digital innovation and its goal to use blockchain technology and currencies to update the financial and technological framework of the nation.

In a significant move to formalize cryptocurrency and blockchain technology in Pakistan, the federal government named Bilal Bin Saqib chief advisor to Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on the Crypto Council in March this year.

The government had also issued a notice saying he had been appointed until further notice and with immediate effect. It further stated that Saqib, who was also on the Forbes 30 under 30 list, would not get any pay, benefits, or advantages.

Days following the finance minister’s announcement that the federal government has opted to explore creating a National Crypto Council—this would be a dedicated advisory body on digital assets—the development emerged.

In a senior session led by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on digital assets, it was agreed that the body would include important government officials, regulators, and industry specialists.

Policy development, regulatory issues resolution, and assurance of secure, compliant, and sustainable evolution of Pakistan’s digital asset ecosystem will all fall under the purview of this Crypto Council. The official statement said, “The Council will also work with friendly nations to create standardized frameworks for international digital economic engagement.”