Bilal Bin Saqib has resigned as the prime minister’s special assistant on blockchain and cryptocurrency. The Cabinet Division confirmed that the resignation was accepted with effect from August 21. He had served in the role since May 26 with the status of a minister of state.
However, Saqib continues to lead the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority. The authority operates as an autonomous federal body with a diverse governing board. It includes top officials from the State Bank, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Federal Board of Revenue. Its role is to curb illicit finance and protect consumers. Moreover, it aims to support innovation in fintech and tokenised assets.
A notification issued on October 13 formally announced the prime minister’s decision. It stated that Shehbaz Sharif accepted Saqib’s resignation after almost three months of service. The document confirmed the administrative transition within the government. It also clarified the timeline of the resignation.
Despite leaving his advisory post, Saqib remains an influential figure in Pakistan’s digital finance landscape. He continues shaping frameworks for virtual assets. He also works to promote Shariah-compliant innovation through regulatory sandboxes. His ongoing position ensures stability in regulatory development.
According to Forbes, Saqib is also recognised for his social impact work. He is listed among the ‘30 under 30’ and co-founded Tayaba. The initiative focuses on addressing Pakistan’s water crisis with practical solutions. His contributions have earned him international visibility.
In addition, Saqib received an MBE in 2023 for his services to the UK’s health sector. The honour acknowledges significant and long-term community impact. His achievements highlight his growing global profile. They also underline his continued role as an influential social entrepreneur.