Bilal Bin Saqib, Chief Executive Officer of Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC), has stepped down from his role as special assistant to the prime minister on blockchain and cryptocurrency. According to a notification issued by Cabinet Division on October 13, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif accepted Saqib’s resignation with effect from August 21. Saqib’s tenure as the PM’s adviser began on May 26, holding the status of a minister of state, and his departure marks a transition in Pakistan’s advisory framework for virtual assets.
While stepping down from the prime minister’s office, Saqib continues to serve as chairman of Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA), an autonomous federal body tasked with overseeing virtual assets and digital finance. PVARA operates under a multi-stakeholder board that includes the governor of State Bank of Pakistan, the chairman of Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan, and the chairman of Federal Board of Revenue. Its mandate encompasses consumer protection, curbing illicit finance, supporting fintech growth, and enabling tokenised asset adoption. Regulatory sandboxes under PVARA are designed to promote Shariah-compliant innovations and provide a structured environment for pilot projects in digital finance.
Saqib’s professional background includes recognition in Forbes’ ‘30 under 30’ list for his contributions as a cofounder of Tayaba, a social enterprise that addresses Pakistan’s water crisis through innovative solutions. In addition, he was awarded an MBE, Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, in 2023 for his notable services to the UK’s National Health Service. The award recognises outstanding achievements or community service with long-term impact, highlighting Saqib’s commitment to both social and technological development.
During his tenure with Pakistan Crypto Council and PVARA, Saqib has played a role in advancing the regulatory framework for virtual assets, guiding policies that aim to integrate cryptocurrency and blockchain applications responsibly within Pakistan’s financial ecosystem. His work emphasizes a balance between innovation, consumer protection, and compliance with international standards. Observers note that PVARA, under his leadership, continues to provide a platform for fintech experimentation, skill development, and investor engagement while remaining aligned with the government’s broader digital finance strategies. Further details about Pakistan Crypto Council and PVARA can be found at PCC Official Website.
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