Bilal bin Saqib, the CEO of the Pakistan Crypto Council, has stepped down from his role as the Prime Minister’s special assistant on blockchain and cryptocurrency.
According to media reports, Bilal will continue to serve as the chairman of the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority.
The cabinet division issued a notification dated October 13, confirming that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif accepted his resignation with effect from August 21.
The government appointed him to the position on May 26 with the status of minister of state.
Bilal received another appointment on August 1 when the government named him chairman of PVARA for three years on a voluntary basis, also with the status of minister of state.
PVARA works as an independent federal body. A multi stakeholder board runs the authority, which includes the governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, the chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan and the chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue.
The authority aims to prevent illegal financial activities, protect consumers and create opportunities in fintech, remittances and tokenised assets. It also supports Shariah compliant innovation through regulatory sandboxes.
Forbes lists Bilal bin Saqib in its “30 Under 30” list, identifying him as the co-founder of Tayaba, a social enterprise that works to address Pakistan’s water crisis.
He received an MBE in 2023 for his services to the UK’s National Health Service. The honour, known as Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, recognises outstanding contributions with long lasting community impact.
