Pakistan, May 27 -- Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has appointed Bilal Bin Saqib as his special assistant on blockchain and cryptocurrency, Sharif's office announced on Monday, as Islamabad eyes a shift to digital economy.

The move positions Pakistan among a handful of nations, including the United States, the United Arab Emirates and El Salvador, which have dedicated blockchain and cryptocurrency leadership.

It signals Islamabad's intent to transform the country into a global leader in digital innovation through encouragement of crypto mining and other similar measures.

"The prime minister. has been pleased to appoint Mr. Bilal bin Saquib as Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Blockchain and Crypto with the status of Minister of...