ISLAMABAD – Minister of State for Crypto and Blockchain Bilal Bin Saqib resigned from his key role as Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Blockchain and Crypto.
Bilal called it quit following Rules of Business 1973, according to which you cannot assist Prime Minister, if you are chairman of a statutory regulatory authority like Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority.
A resignation letter confirms that he resigned from key role rather than step away from the regulatory authority he helped build.
Amid contrasting reports, officials close to Saqib insist the country’s crypto momentum is stronger than ever. Bilal Saqib is scheduled to take the stage at Binance Blockchain Week in Dubai on December 3, signaling that Pakistan’s blockchain ambitions remain fully alive.
Saqib, appointed in May 2025 with Minister of State status, has been front runner of Pakistan’s national blockchain strategy and the driving force behind the creation of the regulatory authority that now oversees the sector. Although his resignation has stunned many, Saqib remains firmly embedded in Pakistan’s digital future.
Pakistan launched Digital Asset Authority to regulate crypto and blockchain sector, after the creation of the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC). PDAA is overseeing exchanges, wallets, DeFi platforms, and ensure FATF compliance, while supporting startups, tokenizing government assets, and exploring Bitcoin mining.
It was major shift toward embracing digital finance, aiming to protect consumers, attract investment, and position the country as a regional leader in financial innovation.
