Pakistan Crypto Council CEO Bilal bin Saqib quits as PM’s aide on blockchain, crypto

ISLAMABAD: In a significant development that has raised questions about the future of Pakistan’s blockchain and cryptocurrency landscape, Bilal bin Saqib, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC), has resigned from his post as Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Blockchain and Cryptocurrency.

Saqib, who was appointed Minister of State on May 26, 2025, has stepped down after just a few months in office, according to reports.

His resignation, effective August 21, 2025, was formally acknowledged in a notification issued by the Cabinet Division on October 13, 2025, and accepted by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

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However, despite the notification being issued more than four months ago, the Cabinet Division did not release it to the media, nor did it explain why it kept it under wraps.

Despite stepping down from his government role, reports indicate that Saqib will continue to serve as Chairman of the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA), the autonomous body tasked with overseeing the country’s virtual assets sector.

This move has fueled concerns about Pakistan’s commitment to developing a comprehensive and effective regulatory framework for digital currencies.

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The timing of Saqib’s resignation is particularly significant, as the government continues to struggle with balancing innovation in the digital financial space with the need for effective regulation.

The resignation of the country’s crypto czar has sparked fresh concerns about the future of Pakistan’s digital assets ecosystem, with experts warning that the sector may falter and fail to gain traction amid the ongoing regulatory roadblocks.

Saqib could not be reached for comment, as his cell phone remained switched off at the time of filing this report.