Pakistan Considers Bitcoin Mining to Help Offset Surplus Power Supply
The government of Pakistan is reportedly exploring the possibility of attracting bitcoin mining operators to absorb surplus electricity and reduce the financial burden of capacity payments in the power sector.
According to a report from the Pakistani media Dawn on Saturday, the Ministry of Energy’s power division has begun consultations with stakeholders to design a special electricity tariff for emerging sectors, including cryptocurrency mining. The aim is to attract investment without resorting to government subsidies.
The report cited industry data suggesting that Bitcoin mining operators spend 60-70% of their mining revenue on electricity. In Pakistan, discussions around crypto mining have reportedly gained momentum following a recent meeting between Power Minister Awais Leghari and Bilal Bin Saqib, CEO of the newly formed Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC). They explored how the country’s excess electricity could be leveraged to attract global bitcoin miners.
The conversation continued during the PCC’s first official meeting on Friday, chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and attended by senior officials including the State Bank Governor Jameel Ahmad and the heads of the Securities and Exchange Commission and other relevant ministries.
According to Dawn, Saqib presented a strategy to utilize Pakistan’s untapped energy and technological potential for bitcoin mining. He also emphasized the need for regulatory clarity and localized policy frameworks tailored to the country’s unique circumstances.
Aurangzeb expressed support for the initiative, stating it marked the beginning of “a new digital chapter” for Pakistan’s economy. He said the council is expected to act as a unified platform for developing a responsible and comprehensive crypto regulatory framework.
The meeting concluded with agreement on the importance of structured regulatory development, piloting programs, and aligning with international standards. Participants also highlighted the need to build on existing research and collaborate with entities that have already worked in the blockchain and digital asset space.
