ISLAMABAD Bilal Bin Saqib, CEO of the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC), has been named Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s Special Assistant on Blockchain and Cryptocurrency, a historic appointment that highlights Pakistan’s drive for digital innovation. The government’s serious intention to expedite its digital transformation agenda is demonstrated by the appointment, which carries the status of Minister of State.
An official notification issued Monday confirms the appointment under Rule 4(6) of the Rules of Business, 1973. The Cabinet Division has been directed to take the necessary administrative steps to implement the decision.
The Sharif-led government’s larger plan to establish Pakistan as a regional digital center aligns with this development. The government has set aside 2,000 megawatts of electricity in the first phase of its digital transformation plan, which is being led by the PCC, in a daring move to support artificial intelligence (AI) data centers and Bitcoin mining.
According to government officials, the strategy is designed to leverage Pakistan’s surplus energy capacity by channeling it into high-demand digital sectors. Finance Ministry officials have hailed it as a milestone in Pakistan’s journey toward becoming a global digital powerhouse.
“By redirecting underutilized energy, we are unlocking economic potential and transforming a liability into a revenue-generating asset,” the finance minister said in a statement.
The program is a fundamental component of Pakistan’s larger economic reform strategy, which aims to draw in foreign capital, create jobs in cutting-edge technologies, and establish the framework for long-term digital infrastructure.
Pakistan’s strategic location—at the crossroads of Asia, Europe, and the Middle East—offers a competitive edge in global data flow and infrastructure development. The PCC revealed that several international companies have already initiated exploratory visits, with more expected to follow.
Bilal Bin Saqib stressed the significance of a transparent regulatory environment while discussing the nation’s digital aspirations. “Pakistan can become a regional, if not global, leader in cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence innovation with the correct legal framework, international partnerships, and transparent operations,” he stated.
As the nation turns toward a digital future, the appointment of a dedicated blockchain and crypto advisor at the ministerial level marks a significant step in aligning policy with potential.
