Pakistan’s virtual assets’ chief joins WEF committee as crypto rules take shape

KARACHI: Pakistan has secured a seat in global rule-making on cryptocurrencies and blockchain governance after Bilal Bin Saqib, chairman of the Pakistan Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (PVARA), joined the World Economic Forum’s Steering Committee on Digital Asset Regulations, the finance ministry said on Thursday.

The announcement comes as Pakistan works on its first regulatory framework for virtual assets, a sector the government says requires clear oversight to protect consumers, support financial stability and keep pace with international standards.

Saqib’s inclusion in the WEF steering body signals Pakistan’s entry into high-level global discussions at a time when major economies are formalizing rules for cryptocurrencies and tokenized assets.

“A notable development for Pakistan’s global positioning in the virtual assets space is that the Chairman of PVARA is now part of the World Economic Forum’s Steering Committee on Digital Asset Regulations,” the finance ministry said.

“This participation strengthens Pakistan’s presence in international policy discussions and signals growing recognition of the country’s role in shaping the global conversation on digital asset governance.”