ISLAMABAD – Bilal Bin Saqib has been appointed as the special assistant to the Prime Minister on Blockchain and Crypto with the status of minister of state.
According to an official notification issued by the Prime Minister’s Office on May 26, 2025, the appointment has been made under Rule 4(6) of the Rules of Business, 1973, and takes immediate effect.
The Cabinet Division has been directed to take further necessary action in accordance with the notification.
The move reflects the government’s growing focus on digital innovation and its aim to harness the potential of blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies to modernize the country’s financial and technological infrastructure.
In March this year, the federal government appointed Bilal Bin Saqib as chief advisor to Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Crypto Council in a major step to regularize cryptocurrency and blockchain technology in Pakistan.
The government had also issued a notification stating that he has been appointed with immediate effect and until further orders. It added that Saqib, who was also named in Forbes 30 under 30 list, will not receive any salary, perks or privileges.
The development came days after the finance minister revealed that the federal government has decided to consider establishing a National Crypto Council, which will serve as a dedicated advisory body regarding digital assets.
The body would comprise key government representatives, regulatory authorities, and industry experts, it was decided in a high-level meeting chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on digital assets.
“This Crypto Council will oversee policy development, address regulatory challenges, and ensure that Pakistan’s digital asset ecosystem evolves in a secure, compliant, and sustainable manner. The Council will also collaborate with friendly countries to develop standardized frameworks for international digital economic engagement,” read the official statement.
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