On May 29, 2025, Pakistan made global headlines by unveiling its first government-led Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, marking a significant shift in the nation’s cryptocurrency landscape. At the forefront of this bold initiative is Bilal Bin Saqib, Chief Executive Officer of the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC) and the newly appointed special assistant on blockchain and cryptocurrency to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, granted the status of Minister of State.
Bilal Bin Saqib's appointment underscores Pakistan’s ambition to become a digital innovation hub. His advocacy for blockchain technology and cryptocurrency seeks to attract foreign investment, particularly from the United States, amid a global surge in crypto adoption.
Profile: Bilal Bin Saqib
- Social Entrepreneur: Founder of Tayaba, a social enterprise dedicated to addressing Pakistan’s water crisis.
- Innovator: Developed the ‘H2O wheel,’ a plastic water container affixed to a metal bar designed to ease water-carrying burdens faced by women and children in rural areas.
- Impact: Successfully distributed over 5,500 H2O wheels across Pakistan, enhancing water accessibility.
- Regulatory Leadership: Tasked with formulating a robust, Financial Action Task Force (FATF)-compliant regulatory framework for digital assets in Pakistan.
- Blockchain Integration: Charged with spearheading Bitcoin mining projects and integrating blockchain technologies within governance, financial systems, and land record management.
- Recognition: Included in the prestigious ‘30 under 30’ list in 2020.
- Honors: Awarded an MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) in 2023 for contributions to the UK's National Health Service, reflecting his commitment beyond the tech sector.
Speaking at the Bitcoin Vegas 2025 conference in Las Vegas, Saqib highlighted Pakistan’s vision to transition from its historical image to a tech-forward nation driven by youth and innovation. Addressing an audience including U.S. Vice President JD Vance and members of the Trump family, he stated, “Pakistan is no longer defined by its past. It is being reborn as a forward-looking hub of digital innovation — powered by its youth, sharpened by necessity, and led by a new generation of tech statesmen.”
With approximately 40 million crypto users and an annual crypto trading volume exceeding $300 billion, Pakistan’s rapidly growing digital ecosystem positions it as a potential leader in blockchain technology. Saqib emphasized the country's potential to leverage this demographic advantage, stating that blockchain and cryptocurrencies will play a pivotal role in driving economic growth and enhancing global competitiveness.
Bilal Bin Saqib's leadership in this transformative period places him at the center of Pakistan’s ambitious digital future, reflecting both his innovative spirit and dedication to national development.
