Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has appointed Bilal bin Saqib as Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Blockchain and Crypto, granting him the status of Minister of State. This appointment signals Pakistan’s growing commitment to integrating blockchain and cryptocurrency technologies into its digital economy.
Saqib previously served as Chief Advisor to the Finance Minister for the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC), where he is also the CEO. He brings recognized expertise in blockchain and Web3 investments, earning accolades including the prestigious 1632nd Points of Light Award from the British Prime Minister and an MBE for contributions to the UK’s National Health Service.
The appointment aligns with Pakistan’s broader digital infrastructure plans, particularly the recent government decision to allocate 2,000 megawatts of surplus electricity to support Bitcoin mining and AI data centers. This move is part of a national strategy to convert excess energy into valuable digital assets and attract foreign investment.
Saqib highlighted the potential for these initiatives to generate foreign exchange and strengthen economic stability by holding Bitcoin in a national wallet, rather than selling power in local currency.
Complementing these efforts, the government has established the Pakistan Digital Assets Authority (PDAA) to regulate blockchain-based financial systems, reinforcing the country’s commitment to building a robust digital economy.