2 min read
Bilal Bin Saqib, Pakistan’s Minister of State, recently took to LinkedIn to share highlights from the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2026 in Davos. The Minister, who describes himself as a “Humble student” and “Aspiring polymath”, showcased moments alongside global heavyweights. However, the flash of cameras has left many wondering about the substance behind the spectacle.
Bilal Bin Saqib Networking with Titans
The Minister’s update featured a roster of high-profile interactions. He spent moments with tech and business giants, including Apple CEO Tim Cook, Jared Kushner, Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff, and Philip Johnston. Additionally, he met with political figures like H.E. Ahmed Shide.
According to his LinkedIn post, the conversations in Davos centred on critical future technologies. Specifically, they discussed Artificial Intelligence (AI), compute, blockchain, and tokenisation. These are pivotal sectors for Pakistan’s digital economy, yet the gap between high-level talk and ground-level action remains a point of contention.
Selfies vs. Strategy
While the visual highlights were plentiful, reactions to the post highlight a growing frustration regarding actual progress. The local tech community is looking past the photos and demanding receipts.
One commenter on the post bluntly questioned the value of the optics, stating:
I don’t understand what is so exciting about taking selfies and posting them on LinkedIn.
This sentiment reflects a broader anxiety. Networking is essential, but it must translate into policy. As the “Chief Crypto Bro” courts tech elites abroad, the regulatory framework for crypto and blockchain back home still appears to be “loading”.
The Demand for Concrete Outcomes
The criticism went beyond mere aesthetics. Stakeholders are demanding to know exactly what these meetings yield for Pakistan. A pointed comment on the Minister’s update asked for specific commitments emerging from these discussions. The user noted:
Beyond the photos and networking, the key question is outcomes.
Other commenters listed some vital missing pieces:
- Investment pipelines
- Compute access
- Skills transfer
- Regulatory cooperation
- Support for local AI ecosystems
For a Minister focused on blockchain and tokenisation, the pressure is on. The industry needs more than Davos highlights… it needs clear regulations and tangible support. Until then, the disconnect between international handshakes and local stagnation will likely continue to fuel debate.
