By Mark Hunter
1 week agoTue May 27 2025 07:32:25
Reading Time: 2 minutes
- Pakistan has appointed a Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Blockchain and Cryptocurrency
- Pakistan Crypto Council CEO Bilal Bin Saqib will take the role, holding the status of minister of state
- The Pakistan government has allocated 2,000 megawatts of surplus electricity for Bitcoin mining and AI data centers and has established an authority to regulate its burgeoning crypto market
In a significant move towards embracing digital finance, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has appointed Bilal Bin Saqib as the Special Assistant on Blockchain and Cryptocurrency. Saqib is well placed for the role, being CEO of the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC) and Chief Advisor to the Finance Minister. This appointment is part of a broader strategy that includes dedicating substantial energy resources to Bitcoin mining and the creation of a regulatory body to oversee digital assets.
Pakistan Building for the Future
Saqib, a London School of Economics graduate and recipient of the MBE from King Charles III, is recognized for his contributions to social impact and digital innovation. As CEO of the PCC and Chief Advisor to the Finance Minister, Saqib has been instrumental in advancing Pakistan’s digital asset initiatives in recent years, helping to shape recent policy decisions. These include the Pakistani government earmarking 2,000 megawatts of surplus electricity to support Bitcoin mining and artificial intelligence data centers.This allocation is part of a national initiative to utilize excess energy resources effectively while fostering technological advancement.
To regulate the country’s expanding digital asset market, the government has established the Pakistan Digital Assets Authority (PDAA), which is tasked with creating a legal framework for cryptocurrencies, overseeing asset tokenization, and formalizing Pakistan’s estimated $300 billion informal crypto market. This regulatory body is expected to play a central role in attracting investment and promoting innovation in the fintech sector.
Courting the U.S.
Under Saqib’s leadership, the PCC has forged strategic partnerships to bolster Pakistan’s position in the global digital economy. Notably, the Council signed a partnership with World Liberty Financial (WLF), a decentralized finance platform supported by U.S. President Donald Trump, to accelerate blockchain adoption and stablecoin integration in Pakistan. Additionally, former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao has been appointed as a strategic advisor to the PCC, bringing valuable expertise to Pakistan’s crypto initiatives.
These developments reflect Pakistan’s proactive approach to embracing digital finance and technology. By investing in infrastructure, establishing regulatory frameworks, and engaging in international collaborations, Pakistan is positioning itself as a forward-thinking player in the global digital economy.
