Pakistan has taken a significant step towards formalizing cryptocurrency rules by appointing Bilal bin Saqib because the Chief Advisor to the Finance Minister for the Pakistan Crypto Council.
The transfer displays the federal government’s push to combine blockchain and digital property into its monetary system whereas guaranteeing a safe and clear regulatory framework, the Finance Division introduced on Wednesday.
Forbes-Acknowledged Web3 Investor Saqib Joins as Blockchain Strategist
Saqib, a Forbes-recognized Web3 investor and blockchain strategist, brings a wealth of experience to the position.
He’s additionally the recipient of the 1632nd Factors of Mild Award, an honor bestowed by the British Prime Minister to acknowledge influential change-makers.
Moreover, he was awarded an MBE (Member of the British Empire) in 2023 for his contributions to the UK’s Nationwide Well being Service (NHS).
As Pakistan weighs cryptocurrency rules, Saqib’s position will concentrate on shaping insurance policies that align with worldwide requirements whereas addressing potential dangers related to digital property.
The Finance Division emphasised that Saqib’s experience could be instrumental in guiding Pakistan’s strategy to cryptocurrency and blockchain integration.
His obligations embrace advising on the event of a sturdy authorized framework to make sure regulatory readability and safety.
“Saqib will lend his nice data and expertise to Pakistan’s efforts to combine cryptocurrency and blockchain applied sciences into its monetary ecosystem whereas guaranteeing the event of a sturdy regulatory framework for digital property in alignment with international greatest practices,” the Finance Division said.
Moreover, his position will prolong past crypto, as he’s tasked with exploring how synthetic intelligence (AI) can improve authorities effectivity, enhance decision-making, and foster innovation in public administration.
#PAKWatch
: Pakistan is contemplating making a “Nationwide Crypto Council” to discover the legalization of digital currencies.
Simply what Pakistan DOESN'T want.
CRYPTO = HIGHLY SPECULATIVE ASSET = CRIMINAL'S CURRENCY OF CHOICE. pic.twitter.com/a5OhEshj4U— Steve Hanke (@steve_hanke) March 2, 2025
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb welcomed Saqib’s appointment, emphasizing the federal government’s dedication to technological innovation whereas sustaining monetary safety.
“Saqib’s appointment underscores our dedication to embracing rising applied sciences whereas guaranteeing a safe and clear monetary system. We’re assured that his management will information the event of a sound and efficient regulatory framework, fostering innovation and sustainable development in Pakistan’s crypto sector,” Aurangzeb said.
Pakistan Goals to Regulate Crypto with New Advisory Council
Final week, Pakistan’s finance ministry introduced plans to discover the institution of a Nationwide Crypto Council.
As reported, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb met with a international delegation, together with Gentry Seaside Jr., a enterprise affiliate who lately promised $1 billion in investments to Pakistan.
The delegation additionally included tech entrepreneur Nikita Goldsmith, blockchain guide Alex Malkov, and Cosmic Wire CEO Jerad Finck.
Till final 12 months, Pakistan’s authorities and central financial institution strongly opposed cryptocurrency regulation.
Earlier finance ministers had dismissed the thought of legalizing digital property, and the State Financial institution of Pakistan had warned towards their use.
Nonetheless, Aurangzeb has now indicated a shift, urging an “open-minded” strategy to evaluating the sector.
The proposed Nationwide Crypto Council could be an advisory physique comprising authorities representatives, regulatory authorities, and trade specialists, because the finance ministry claims.
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