Bilal bin Saqib convenes with the head of the Trump Council to deliberate on strategic collaboration on digital assets.

Bilal Bin Saqib, Minister of State for Crypto & Blockchain and CEO of the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC), convened with Robert ‘Bo’ Hines, Executive Director of U.S. President Donald Trump’s Council on Digital Assets, at the White House to discuss strategic collaboration on digital assets, as stated in a press release issued on Wednesday.

The discourse encompassed various subjects, including Bitcoin integration and the prospects of decentralized digital infrastructure.

Bo Hines, appointed by President Trump in January 2025, directs U.S. initiatives in formulating national policy for digital asset regulation, innovation, and emerging financial technology.

In May, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif designated Bilal Bin Saqib as his special assistant on blockchain and cryptocurrencies, conferring upon him the position of a minister of state. Saqib is responsible for creating a FATF-compliant regulatory framework for digital assets, launching national Bitcoin mining initiatives, and incorporating blockchain technology into essential sectors including governance, banking, and land management.

The meeting occurred subsequent to Pakistan’s announcement of its Strategic Bitcoin Reserve (SBR) during the Bitcoin 2025 Conference in Las Vegas, positioning Pakistan as one of the inaugural Asian nations to integrate Bitcoin into its official asset reserves.

Saqib asserted, “I envision Pakistan emerging as a leader in digital assets within the Global South.” “By establishing our Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and facilitating national infrastructure for cryptocurrency mining and AI data centers, we are creating a foundation for genuine digital transformation and economic reform.”

Representatives from both the U.S. and Pakistan expressed a shared interest in advancing collaboration on digital asset development, regulatory harmonization, and technological innovation. The statement additionally emphasized a mutual objective to cultivate innovation ecosystems that enable youth and advance financial inclusion using blockchain technology.

Saqib engaged in conversations with the White House Counsel’s Office.

Pakistan intends to designate 2 gigawatts of energy for Bitcoin mining activities and AI-focused data zones as part of its comprehensive cryptocurrency strategy.

Forbes previously included Saqib in its ’30 Under 30′ list. He is the cofounder of Tayaba, a social venture addressing Pakistan’s water crisis.

In 2023, he received an MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) for his contributions to the UK’s National Health Service, an honor bestowed for exceptional service that has significantly influenced communities.