In January, a significant gathering took place in Islamabad featuring prominent leaders of Pakistan who welcomed Zachary Witkoff, the chief executive officer of World Liberty Financial, a cryptocurrency platform co-founded by former US President Donald Trump. The event appeared to resemble a state-level meeting rather than a mere ceremony to discuss a non-binding agreement related to stablecoins, which remains exploratory and does not entail substantial financial commitments. A ceremonial photograph captured the moment, highlighting the presence of Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir alongside Zachary Witkoff. Equally noteworthy was Bilal Bin Saqib, a 35-year-old who identifies himself as a “crypto bro,” known for his substantial role in reshaping US-Pakistan relations over the past year.

Securing Partnerships in the Crypto Space

Bilal Bin Saqib has quickly ascended to a position of influence within Pakistan, establishing connections with notable figures in the cryptocurrency arena, including Changpeng Zhao, often referred to as CZ, the billionaire founder of Binance Holdings Ltd., which operates as the largest cryptocurrency exchange globally. Additionally, he has interacted with high-profile investors such as Cathie Wood and Michael Saylor, a Bitcoin billionaire, as well as Nayib Bukele, the president of El Salvador, who made Bitcoin legal tender in his country in 2021 and launched a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Fund. Just last month, Saqib shared a selfie with Zachary Witkoff and other executives from their company at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club in Florida. This moment coincided with Pakistan’s agreement with the United States to renovate the Roosevelt Hotel located in Manhattan, indicating warmer ties and opportunities for collaboration.

The Importance of the Crypto Landscape

During his recent interview, Saqib expressed how the emergence of crypto has facilitated new connections and fostered trust, declaring it an opportunity for Pakistan to enhance its global image. His rapid rise in prominence remains somewhat enigmatic. Originally from Lahore, Saqib’s interest in cryptocurrency was piqued during Bitcoin’s remarkable bull market in 2017 when the price soared from under $1,000 in January to nearly $14,000 by year’s end. Seizing this momentum, Saqib began collaborating with the Pakistani government in March 2025 and was instrumental just weeks later in securing Binance’s Zhao as a strategic adviser for the Pakistan Crypto Council, following Trump’s October pardon of Zhao.

Collaborative Efforts and Economic Potential

A key moment arrived when Saqib hosted Zachary Witkoff and his team in Islamabad, leading to the signing of a “letter of intent” aimed at enhancing cooperation regarding the adoption of stablecoins in Pakistan. The family business of Trump may see advantages from gaining access to the virtual asset market in Pakistan, where approximately 40 million individuals engage in crypto trading, according to the finance ministry. The estimated trading volume exceeds $300 billion, marking one of the highest rates of cryptocurrency adoption globally, as the population seeks alternative investment options amid persistent economic challenges including high inflation.

Future Directions for Pakistan and its Youth

Although Trump has a history of rapidly altering his stance toward leaders he once supported, the strategic relationship is evolving. Emerging narratives suggest that Pakistan may be called upon to align more closely with US policies, especially in terms of regional security. Nevertheless, Saqib’s primary focus continues to be on nurturing technological proficiency among the youth of Pakistan. He envisions a future where this demographic can bolster the nation’s economic framework, minimizing reliance on international financial institutions for support.

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