Why has Bilal Bin Saqib stepped down as PM’s aide: here’s what we know…

Bilal Bin Saqib, who had been serving as the head of the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC) as well as the Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on blockchain and cryptocurrency with the rank of a minister of state, is no longer part of the federal government.

While the mainstream media are paddling the news of his departure as a result of a resignation, the insiders reports say that Saqib has in fact been removed from his position as SAPM, a move that has injected fresh uncertainty into Pakistan’s already fragile crypto landscape. His departure comes just six months after his high-profile appointment, during which he pushed for Pakistan to develop into a regional leader in digital finance and crypto innovation.

A notable sign of the shake-up appeared when the Cabinet Division’s official website quietly deleted Saqib’s name and profile. His absence from the list of ministers and advisers suggested an abrupt end to his tenure, though the government has yet to make any formal announcement explaining the decision.

Saqib had been appointed on May 26, 2025, but his stint proved short-lived. While his details have been removed from the Cabinet Division portal, the National Assembly’s records still show no update, contributing to speculation and confusion.

Reports circulating in Islamabad claim that Saqib has resigned and travelled to the UAE, though neither the government nor Saqib has offered clarity about whether he will continue any of his other roles within Pakistan’s crypto ecosystem. His unexpected exit has stirred debate among policymakers, industry figures, and crypto supporters.

The federal government has so far remained silent about the circumstances surrounding his departure.

Bilal Bin Saqib is an entrepreneur and blockchain advocate who had quickly gained prominence as Pakistan’s “crypto czar.” He holds a master’s degree in Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship from the London School of Economics. He is the co-founder of One Million Meals, a UK-based COVID-19 relief initiative that also earned him an MBE.