Who is Bilal Bin Saqib? FinMin’s chief adviser on crypto council

The Government of Pakistan has appointed Bilal Bin Saqib MBE as the Chief Adviser to the Finance Minister for the Pakistan Crypto Council. This move reinforces the country’s commitment to technological progress while ensuring sound policy frameworks that support economic growth, digital transformation, and a secure financial ecosystem.

Official Notification

As per the Finance Ministry’s notification: “The Ministry of Finance is pleased to appoint Mr. Bilal Bin Saqib as Chief Adviser to the Finance Minister on Pakistan Crypto Council in the Finance Division, in terms of Establishment Division’s O.M.No.1/11/2018(ii)-E-6, dated 09.04.2024, with immediate effect and until further orders.”

Bilal Bin Saqib’s Expertise & Achievements

Bilal is a prominent investor and adviser in the Web3 sector, having represented Pakistan at prestigious international events such as NFT NYC, the World Economic Forum, ETH Barcelona, and Token 2049.

He is a well-regarded thought leader in blockchain technology, specializing in tokenizing real-world assets, decentralized finance (DeFi), decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs), artificial intelligence (AI), and enterprise blockchain solutions.

His contributions to Pakistan’s blockchain industry include introducing innovative projects and spearheading awareness and education initiatives in the sector.

Bilal has been recognized by Forbes in its 30 Under 30 list and honored by King Charles III, the late Queen Elizabeth II, and the Mayor of London. Additionally, he received the 1632nd Points of Light Award from the British Prime Minister and was awarded an MBE (Member of the British Empire) in 2023 for his services to the UK’s National Health Service.

Government’s Perspective

Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb welcomed Bilal’s appointment, emphasizing the critical role his expertise would play in shaping Pakistan’s position in the global digital economy. “Mr. Saqib’s appointment highlights our dedication to adopting emerging technologies while ensuring a secure and transparent financial system. His leadership will help craft a regulatory framework that fosters innovation and sustainable growth in Pakistan’s crypto sector,” he stated.

Bilal’s Vision for Pakistan’s Digital Economy

Bilal expressed his optimism about Pakistan’s potential in the digital sphere, stating: “With nearly 70% of Pakistan’s population under the age of 30, we have a strong base of tech-savvy youth ready to drive digital innovation.”

He further noted that Pakistan ranked third in global crypto adoption in 2021 and remains in the top 10 today. “With the right policies and a determined approach, we can firmly establish Pakistan on the global crypto landscape, unlocking immense economic opportunities,” he added.

Role of the Pakistan Crypto Council

The Pakistan Crypto Council will serve as a dedicated advisory body comprising government officials, regulatory authorities, and industry experts. Its primary role will be to oversee policy development and collaborate internationally to establish standardized frameworks for the crypto industry.

In his new capacity, Bilal will lead efforts to develop a balanced regulatory environment that ensures compliance, consumer protection, and innovation.

Contributions Beyond Blockchain

Bilal, an alumnus of the London School of Economics (LSE) with a Master’s in Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship, is also the founder of the Tayaba Organisation, a non-profit dedicated to improving water access in underprivileged communities.

In 2021, his organization became the first Pakistani NGO—and among the first worldwide—to raise funds through an NFT-based campaign, securing Rs2 million. Through this initiative, he pioneered the use of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) linked to real-world humanitarian aid, revolutionizing the charity sector.

With Bilal at the helm, Pakistan’s crypto landscape is set to advance significantly, ensuring an innovative and sustainable approach to digital finance.