“Wish India Had a Blockchain Leader Like Bilal Saqib”

HONG KONG: Pakistan’s Minister for Crypto and Blockchain, Bilal Bin Saqib, made headlines with his impactful participation in the Bitcoin Asia Conference, where he not only represented Pakistan but also earned widespread admiration, even from across the border, a Pakistani government statement said.

The world’s largest Bitcoin-focused event in Asia, BTC Asia Conference 2025, took place in Hong Kong, bringing together thousands of crypto investors, developers, policymakers, and entrepreneurs from all over the world. The highly anticipated three-day event highlighted the region’s growing influence in shaping the global digital asset market.

India’s top Bitcoin influencer, known as “Bitcoin Wala”, directly praised Bilal Bin Saqib, stating, “We need a leader like Bilal Bin Saqib in India.” The Indian influencer went on to commend Bilal for single-handedly reshaping Pakistan’s global identity through crypto and blockchain technology.

This moment is particularly significant given the ongoing tensions between Pakistan and India. Despite the strained relations, a leading Indian crypto voice openly acknowledged the efforts of a Pakistani minister — a rare and powerful gesture. “This is a truth that many in India might not want to hear,” the statement said.

“But the reality is that Pakistan stands at a place where India hasn’t even begun to dream yet,” said the Indian influencer.

During his address at the conference, Bilal Bin Saqib highlighted the establishment of the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA) — the first of its kind in the region — an independent regulatory body dedicated to virtual assets.

Bilal Bin Saqib said, “This initiative has positioned Pakistan as a global leader in crypto and blockchain regulation.” The conference also featured Eric Trump, son of US President Donald Trump, as one of the keynote speakers.

In the presence of American leadership figures, Bilal’s recognition by Indian experts marked a historic moment. “The establishment of PVARA reflects that the world’s attention is now on Pakistan,” the statement added.

It also pointed out that India remains entangled in confusion and fear over cryptocurrency, while Pakistan has taken several steps forward.

Pakistan is now seen globally as a case study in crypto diplomacy and as a branding example of a Bitcoin nation. The statement said.

The Panel talks at BTC Asia 2025 have focused on Asia’s expanding importance in the digital asset market. Some topics to be covered include Bitcoin’s function in cross-border trade, central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), AI integration in crypto markets, and the next wave of retail adoption in Southeast Asia.

Organisers anticipated approximately 20,000 guests, including major delegations from China, Japan, Singapore, and South Korea.

The conference also provided a strategic opportunity for Hong Kong to strengthen its position as a regional hub for digital assets. Over the past year, the city has implemented new legislative frameworks aimed at attracting exchanges, token issuers, and Web3 firms at the same time, maintaining investor safety.