Pakistan’s crypto community was shaken this week after news headlines claimed that Bilal Bin Saqib, popularly known as Pakistan’s “crypto minister,” had resigned.

However, in reality, the situation has been misunderstood. Bilal Bin Saqib has not stepped down from leading Pakistan’s crypto regulatory efforts. Instead, he has resigned only from his post as Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM), while continuing as Chairman of the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA), the key institution responsible for regulating crypto in Pakistan.

The reason is that, under Pakistan’s current administrative and regulatory framework (Rules of Business, 1973), a person cannot hold the role of Special Assistant to the Prime Minister and, at the same time, serve as the head of an independent statutory regulator such as PVARA.

This distinction is critical. His exit from the advisory role has triggered speculation about whether Pakistan’s recent crypto-friendly momentum could be affected. But his position at PVARA Pakistan remains unchanged, meaning the broader mission to formalize a legal framework for crypto in Pakistan, including Bitcoin in Pakistan and stablecoin usage, has not been abandoned.

The regulatory engine remains intact, though delays and political friction continue to cloud the timeline.

Will This Resignation Slow Down Pakistan’s Crypto Progress?

Given Pakistan’s fragile political climate and ongoing negotiations with global institutions, the question naturally arises: Does Bilal’s resignation as an advisor undermine Pakistan’s digital asset agenda?

In practical terms, the answer is no. The SAPM role was a political appointment, while the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority is a statutory, structured institution. PVARA Pakistan has its own mandate, authority, and roadmap for bringing crypto regulation into the formal economy.

Bilal’s continued leadership ensures continuity and makes it clear that the government has not reversed its stance on digital assets.

However, the move may introduce short-term administrative delays, as inter-ministerial coordination often relies on SAPM-level influence. Without a dedicated advisor sitting inside the PM’s office, PVARA may face more procedural hurdles when pushing sensitive policy items such as crypto taxation, VASP licensing, or exchange registration.

Impact on Bitcoin Mining in Pakistan

One of the important questions is whether this change affects the future of Bitcoin mining in Pakistan. The answer depends on the interpretation of recent global signals.

Pakistan has been studying Bitcoin mining as a potential avenue for cheap energy utilization and additional foreign reserves, especially in regions like KP and GB, where excess hydroelectric power often goes to waste. But large-scale Bitcoin mining in Pakistan always required green signals from FATF, IMF, and the World Bank due to the country’s loan and compliance commitments.

As of now:

• FATF has not explicitly endorsed Bitcoin mining in Pakistan, but has also not labeled it as prohibited as long as regulation, monitoring, and AML/CTF compliance exist.
• IMF remains cautious and prefers strict oversight, especially regarding capital flows, stablecoins, and cross-border crypto transfers.
• World Bank has not issued any supportive guidance for state-backed mining; it maintains a conservative stance on crypto adoption globally.

This means that while Bitcoin mining in Pakistan remains technically possible but no major global approval has been granted, and Bilal’s resignation from the advisory post does not change this fundamental dynamic.

However, his continued leadership at PVARA Pakistan ensures that mining remains part of the long-term discussion. The country still aims to explore legal Bitcoin mining under a regulated, transparent, and energy-audited framework.

Why PVARA Pakistan Still Hasn’t Announced the Regulatory Framework

Despite months of anticipation, PVARA Pakistan has still not publicly released the crypto regulatory framework, leading to frustration across the crypto industry in Pakistan. The delay is tied to several real constraints:

1. Alignment with global financial institutions: Pakistan must ensure AML, traceability, taxation, and KYC controls satisfy FATF and IMF requirements before finalizing the framework.
2. Internal coordination challenges: Multiple departments, SECP, SBP, FIA, MoITT, and the Finance Ministry, must agree on every clause, which naturally extends timelines.
3. Political reshuffling: Cabinet changes, caretaker transitions, and shifting economic priorities have introduced procedural slowdowns.
4. Economic pressures: With the IMF program in progress, the government is cautious about introducing disruptive financial reforms.

Bilal's resignation from the SAPM position adds another layer of bureaucratic friction, but his ongoing role at the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority means the framework is still alive and moving, just slower than anticipated.

Does This Change Affect the Future of Crypto in Pakistan?

In the bigger picture, the state’s direction has not shifted. Pakistan is still working toward legalizing and regulating crypto in a controlled and internationally compliant manner. The role of PVARA Pakistan will grow even more in the coming months as it becomes the center of all decisions related to crypto in Pakistan, Bitcoin in Pakistan, and even the future of Bitcoin mining in Pakistan.

While Bilal Bin Saqib stepping down as an advisor may spark short-term uncertainty, it does not reflect a retreat from crypto reform. The real work, the regulatory framework, VASP licensing, taxation rules, and exchange oversight, is still under PVARA Pakistan, and that structure remains stable.

Pakistan’s journey toward Web3 regulation is slow, cautious, and globally aligned, but it is very much ongoing.