{"id":"bilal-bin-saqib","title":"Bilal Bin Saqib","content":"**Bilal Bin Saqib** is the Chairman of Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority. Originally from Lahore, Pakistan, Saqib has made significant strides in both social entrepreneurship and digital finance. He was recognized with an MBE (Member of the British Empire) in 2023, awarded by Princess Anne for his humanitarian efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, notably through the One Million Meals initiative, which provided over 100,000 meals to NHS frontline workers in the UK. [\\[1\\]](#cite-id-wBnLLloRj88rwdhE)  [\\[2\\]](#cite-id-CPPx2hSzBP1jnEfO)  [\\[13\\]](#cite-id-ZVGswR691qCrEc3A) \n\n### Early Life and Education\n\nBilal Bin Saqib grew up in Lahore, Pakistan, where he demonstrated an early interest in social welfare and entrepreneurship. His academic journey took him to London, where he worked multiple jobs, including cleaning toilets, to finance his education. Saqib graduated with a Master's degree in Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship from the London School of Economics (LSE) in 2019. During his time at LSE, he became the elected Postgraduate Students' Officer and served on the Student Union Executive Committee, gaining popularity for his leadership among over 6,870 postgraduate students. [\\[1\\]](#cite-id-wBnLLloRj88rwdhE)  [\\[2\\]](#cite-id-CPPx2hSzBP1jnEfO) \n\n## Career\n\n### Tayaba Organization\n\nIn 2016, Bilal Bin Saqib founded Tayaba.org, an organization focused on water accessibility in rural areas of Pakistan. The organization introduced the H2O Wheel, a device designed for transporting water in communities with limited infrastructure. Tayaba.org has operated in regions including Tharparkar and distributed H2O Wheels to households affected by water shortages.\n\nTayaba.org also conducted fundraising activities involving blockchain technology, including an [NFT](https://iq.wiki/wiki/non-fungible-token-nft)-based campaign held on International Charity Day. The organization later received the Points of Light Award in 2021.\n\n### One Million Meals\n\nDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, Saqib co-founded One Million Meals in the United Kingdom. The initiative provided meals to frontline workers, including NHS staff, and other groups affected during the pandemic response period.\n\nThe project organized volunteer networks and coordinated food distribution operations during 2020. The initiative was referenced by media outlets including BBC, Sky News, ITV, and The Telegraph, and received public support from individuals including David Beckham.\n\n### Pakistan Crypto Council\n\nBilal Bin Saqib participated in the establishment of the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC), an organization associated with blockchain and [digital asset](https://iq.wiki/wiki/digital-assets) policy discussions in Pakistan. As Chief Executive Officer, he worked on matters related to regulatory development and [cryptocurrency](https://iq.wiki/wiki/cryptocurrency)-related initiatives.\n\n### Government Advisory Roles\n\nSaqib has held advisory roles related to blockchain and [cryptocurrency](https://iq.wiki/wiki/cryptocurrency) within the Government of Pakistan. In 2025, he was appointed Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Blockchain and Cryptocurrency with the status of Minister of State.\n\nHis work in this position included matters related to [digital asset](https://iq.wiki/wiki/digital-assets) regulation, [Bitcoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin) [mining](https://iq.wiki/wiki/mining) initiatives, and the use of blockchain technology in administrative and financial systems.\n\nIn April 2025, he was appointed Chairman of the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority.\n\n### Strategic Cryptocurrency Reserve\n\nBilal Bin Saqib announced the establishment of a government-led Strategic [Bitcoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin) Reserve in Pakistan. The initiative was presented as part of the country’s [digital asset](https://iq.wiki/wiki/digital-assets) and [cryptocurrency](https://iq.wiki/wiki/cryptocurrency)-related framework.\n\n### Other Roles\n\nSince 2022, Saqib has served as a Member of the Board of Advisors at Queen Mary University of London, where he has been involved in advisory activities related to strategy, partnerships, and marketing for the business school.\n\nHe has also held positions with organizations including ETHBarcelona, DoinGud, Coral Reef, and Busha Exchange, working in areas related to communications, marketing, blockchain initiatives, and organizational development.\n\nEarlier in his career, Saqib served as a Postgraduate Student Officer at the London School of Economics Students’ Union. He also worked as a Teaching Assistant at Queen Mary, University of London, assisting students in Quantitative Research Methods. [\\[1\\]](#cite-id-wBnLLloRj88rwdhE)  [\\[2\\]](#cite-id-CPPx2hSzBP1jnEfO)  [\\[4\\]](#cite-id-sDd2hjTSYKteapRf)  [\\[5\\]](#cite-id-70uH8boTqVldL28K)  [\\[6\\]](#cite-id-NGfBBPiSLMPL2E0L)  [\\[9\\]](#cite-id-U7uQ8NlQj1CpJOo8)  [\\[11\\]](#cite-id-pmjAe9nbGEr1ytqU)  [\\[13\\]](#cite-id-ZVGswR691qCrEc3A) \n\n## Interviews\n\n### Pakistan’s Digital Asset Policies #01\n\nOn February 12, 2026, Bilal Bin Saqib participated in an interview related to Pakistan’s [digital asset](https://iq.wiki/wiki/digital-assets) policies during [Consensus Hong Kong 2026](https://iq.wiki/wiki/consensus-hong-kong-2026). The interview was published through the YouTube channels associated with the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority and Bilal Bin Saqib.\n\n[YOUTUBE@VID](https://youtube.com/watch?v=Bh2HnafWfKA)\n\nDuring the discussion, Bilal Bin Saqib described the development of Pakistan’s regulatory framework for [digital assets](https://iq.wiki/wiki/digital-assets) and blockchain-related activities. He stated that cryptocurrency trading had already been widely adopted in Pakistan prior to the establishment of formal regulatory measures.\n\nThe interview included references to policy areas identified for implementation in 2026, including licensing procedures for virtual asset service providers, the use of [stablecoins](https://iq.wiki/wiki/stablecoin) in cross-border transactions, the examination of tokenized financial instruments, and the application of artificial intelligence within regulatory processes.\n\nBilal Bin Saqib also discussed government-related initiatives involving [Bitcoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin) reserves and the allocation of electricity resources for Bitcoin [mining](https://iq.wiki/wiki/mining) operations and AI data centers. In addition, he stated that several emerging economies, including Pakistan, were developing regulatory structures connected to digital finance and blockchain-based systems. [\\[14\\]](#cite-id-A1dwsCmfKDeu7uKB) \n\n### Digital Asset Regulation Discussion #02\n\nOn May 7, 2026, Bilal Bin Saqib participated in a fireside chat organized by the Center for Digital Assets Research. The discussion addressed topics related to Pakistan’s [digital asset](https://iq.wiki/wiki/digital-assets) sector, regulatory developments, and blockchain-based financial systems.\n\n[YOUTUBE@VID](https://youtube.com/watch?v=d6FHTmD3Gxs)\n\nDuring the session, Bin Saqib discussed his perspective on the role of technology in economic and institutional development. He stated that technological infrastructure and digital systems may influence how countries participate in global financial and regulatory environments. He also referred to [cryptocurrency](https://iq.wiki/wiki/cryptocurrency) adoption among younger populations in Pakistan and its relation to emerging regulatory discussions in the country.\n\nBin Saqib outlined several areas associated with the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA), including the regulation of [cryptocurrency](https://iq.wiki/wiki/cryptocurrency)-related activity, consumer protection measures, and the integration of [digital asset](https://iq.wiki/wiki/digital-assets) activity into formal financial structures. He also referenced subjects such as [stablecoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/stablecoin) remittances, tokenized assets, and blockchain-based financial services.\n\nThe discussion additionally included references to regulatory sandbox programs, coordination between financial institutions and regulators, and workforce development related to blockchain technologies. Bin Saqib stated that educational initiatives, technical training, and experimentation through pilot programs could contribute to the development of [digital asset](https://iq.wiki/wiki/digital-assets)-related infrastructure and services in Pakistan. [\\[15\\]](#cite-id-GEVm6QDU0ZWNHlXi) ","summary":"Bilal Bin Saqib is a prominent social entrepreneur and crypto advocate, known for his roles as the Chairman of PVARA and CEO of the Pakistan Crypto Council. He has been recognized for his efforts in water crisis solutions and crypto policy innovation.","images":[{"id":"QmP6risGtG1zqTApeuorHGnSrM4soxxksKN54N8ogtBRRV","type":"image/jpeg, 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delays in legalising digital currencies\",\"timestamp\":1779944497944,\"url\":\"https://tribune.com.pk/story/2534320/govt-forms-crypto-council\"},{\"id\":\"3wbL8Pt0zDX4XkEw\",\"description\":\"Pakistan Crypto Council officially launched to integrate blockchain technology with financial landscape\",\"timestamp\":1779944478060,\"url\":\"https://www.dawn.com/news/1897897/pakistan-crypto-council-officially-launched-to-integrate-blockchain-technology-with-financial-landscape\"},{\"id\":\"WsmTSHUeDhPaU8VB\",\"description\":\"Pakistan launches crypto council to regulate blockchain, digital assets\\n\",\"timestamp\":1779944510092,\"url\":\"https://tribune.com.pk/story/2534270/pakistan-launches-crypto-council-to-regulate-blockchain-digital-assets\"},{\"id\":\"U7uQ8NlQj1CpJOo8\",\"description\":\"Pakistan Crypto Council officially launched\\n\",\"timestamp\":1779944528045,\"url\":\"https://www.brecorder.com/news/40353064\"},{\"id\":\"qAI013njkzhC7EEr\",\"description\":\"Bilal Bin 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