Saqib will serve a three-year honorary term, resigning from his SAPM post to comply with bureaucratic rules
Minister of State for Crypto, Blockchain and CEO of Pakistan Crypto Council, Bilal Bin Saqib. Photo:
Bilal bin Saqib, Minister of State for Crypto and Blockchain, has been appointed Chairman of the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA) for a three-year term in an honorary capacity, following a decision by the federal cabinet which takes effect immediately.
Following this appointment, he resigned from his position as Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Blockchain and Crypto to comply with bureaucratic regulations, The Express Tribune learned.
Under the terms of his appointment, Saqib will serve as president of PVARA without receiving a salary. The position also carries the status equivalent to that of a Minister of State. Under the Rules of Procedure 1973, a special assistant to the Prime Minister cannot simultaneously serve as chairman of a statutory regulatory authority.
Saqib was initially appointed as Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Blockchain and Crypto with the status of Minister of State in May 2025. During his tenure, he led Pakistan’s national blockchain strategy and oversaw the creation of PVARA, of which he now serves as Chairman.
Responding to rumors circulating on WhatsApp regarding the potential closure of the Ministry of Crypto, a staffer confirmed that “crypto developments for Pakistan are still ongoing” and that Saqib is scheduled to speak at Binance Blockchain Week on Wednesday, December 3 in Dubai.
A formal notification of Saqib’s appointment as Chairman of PVARA was issued and resignation from his previous role as SAPM was officially acquired by The Express Tribune.
The Pakistan Crypto Council, officially established earlier this year, continues to function as a national force for crypto policy, innovation, youth empowerment and international engagement in crypto and blockchain.
Pakistan is home to over 50 million crypto users, with an annual trading volume exceeding $300 billion. The country consistently ranks in the top 5 globally for crypto adoption, reflecting its strong popular engagement with digital assets. Out of a population of 240 million, 70% of Pakistanis are under 30 years old.
Pakistan benefits from demographics highly supportive of widespread crypto adoption, making it one of the most promising emerging markets for blockchain and digital finance innovation. Pakistan is also the third-largest freelance market in the world, showcasing its dynamic and entrepreneurial digital workforce.
Who is Bilal bin Saqib?
London-based entrepreneur Bilal bin Saqib is at the forefront of digital innovation and social impact. Trusted by King Charles III, the late Queen Elizabeth II and the Mayor of London, Saqib’s work spans blockchain technology, crypto investments and social entrepreneurship.
In 2023, he was awarded the title of MBE (Member of the British Empire) for his humanitarian efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, during which he led the One Million Meals initiative, delivering over 100,000 meals to NHS staff and vulnerable populations across the UK.
His academic qualifications include a Masters in Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship from the London School of Economics (LSE). He also received the 1632nd Points of Light Award, recognition given by the British Prime Minister to individuals who make an outstanding contribution to their communities.
Beyond his work in fintech, Saqib co-founded Tayaba, a social enterprise focused on Pakistan’s water crisis, introducing the H2O Wheel, an innovative water transportation device designed to ease the burden on rural communities.
