Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Crypto and Blockchain, Bilal Bin Saqib, is making waves on the global stage as he continues to promote Pakistan’s ambitious plans for digital assets and blockchain adoption. During a recent visit to New York, Saqib met with Errol Musk, the father of tech billionaire Elon Musk, in a meeting that symbolizes Pakistan’s serious intent to join the global digital economy.
Saqib shared a photo from the meeting on X (formerly Twitter), quoting Errol Musk as saying, The market has finally picked up. Let’s not ruin it.The statement reflects renewed global optimism in the cryptocurrency sector after years of volatility and regulatory uncertainty.
Global Crypto Roadshow and Strategic Vision
This high-profile meeting was part of Saqib’s broader visit to the United States, where he also met with over a dozen U.S. lawmakers, financial experts, and technology leaders in Washington, D.C.. During these meetings, he presented Pakistan’s national crypto roadmap, outlining how the country plans to embrace blockchain technology and digital finance.
The plan includes the launch of a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, a move aimed at strengthening the country’s financial stability through digital asset diversification. Additionally, Saqib proposed the use of stablecoins for remittances, a game-changing idea that could significantly reduce the cost and time it takes for overseas Pakistanis to send money home. He also emphasized the need for a clear and comprehensive regulatory framework for virtual assets.
Energy Allocation for Bitcoin Mining and AI Infrastructure
Adding momentum to this digital push, the Finance Ministry of Pakistan recently announced the allocation of 2,000 megawatts of surplus electricity to support Bitcoin mining operations and AI data centers. This project is led by the Pakistan Crypto Council and aims to repurpose unused energy to drive innovation, attract foreign investment, and create high-tech jobs.
These data centers will serve multiple purposes, from mining cryptocurrency to hosting artificial intelligence applications. The plan aligns with Pakistan’s broader efforts to modernize its tech infrastructure and position itself as a regional leader in the digital economy.
Future Partnerships and Global Integration
Pakistan’s long-term digital strategy includes forming partnerships with international firms, developing fintech innovation hubs, and building renewable energy-powered digital infrastructure. These efforts are designed to foster a competitive ecosystem where startups and tech firms can thrive, bringing investment and technological know-how into the country.
Challenges on the Path Ahead
While the vision is ambitious, it comes with its own set of challenges. Pakistan’s crypto sector remains largely unregulated, and experts caution that progress will depend on the establishment of a robust legal framework. Without clear guidelines and protections, the country risks falling behind or encountering issues related to security, money laundering, and financial instability.
Regulatory bodies such as the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) have yet to approve the widespread adoption of cryptocurrencies. For Saqib’s vision to take root, these institutions will need to adopt policies that foster innovation while safeguarding economic stability.
A Nation at the Edge of a Digital Transformation
Speaking on the importance of the mission, Bilal Bin Saqib emphasized that this is not just about embracing cryptocurrency—it’s about redefining Pakistan’s place in the future global economy. He highlighted that with a young population, growing tech talent, and a significant remittance economy, Pakistan is uniquely positioned to benefit from blockchain and financial innovation.
Saqib stated, We are not aiming to follow trends; we aim to set them. Pakistan has the potential to be a regional leader in blockchain, fintech, and digital infrastructure. We just need to act fast and responsibly.
His meeting with Errol Musk and engagement with U.S. leaders sends a clear message: Pakistan is ready to join the digital revolution, not as an outsider, but as an emerging innovator with a bold, strategic plan for the future.
