Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has appointed Bilal Bin Saqib, CEO of the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC), as his Special Assistant on Blockchain and Crypto, granting him the status of Minister of State.
According to an official notification, this appointment falls under Rule 4(6) of the Rules of Business, 1973, and takes effect immediately. The Cabinet Division has been directed to take necessary action accordingly.
Read more: Pakistan plans to create a national crypto council
This appointment comes as Pakistan intensifies efforts to tap into the global crypto and digital economy. In a major development, the government announced the allocation of 2,000 megawatts of electricity to power Bitcoin mining and AI data centers, marking the launch of a nationwide digital transformation initiative led by the PCC.
The strategy aims to utilize the country’s surplus power for high-demand digital infrastructure, which Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb called a milestone in Pakistan’s digital progress. The plan is part of broader economic reforms designed to attract foreign investment, create tech jobs, and boost sustainable growth.
Pakistan’s strategic location at the crossroads of Asia, Europe, and the Middle East enhances its appeal as a digital hub. International companies have already begun engaging with the PCC, with more expected to explore opportunities soon.
Bilal Bin Saqib emphasized that with proper regulations, transparency, and international collaboration, Pakistan could emerge as a regional and global leader in cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence.
