Pakistan Allocates 2GW Power Capacity to Boost Bitcoin Mining
Pakistan’s federal government has announced a plan to allocate 2,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity to support Bitcoin mining and artificial intelligence (AI) data centers in the first phase of a broader digital development strategy.
According to Pakistani media Dawn, the decision follows a recent move by Pakistan to legalize cryptocurrency to attract international investment. The newly formed Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC), launched in March, has been tasked with regulating and integrating blockchain technology and digital assets into the country’s financial system. The PCC operates under the Ministry of Finance and is led by entrepreneur Bilal Bin Saqib, who was appointed as chief adviser to the finance minister.
A statement from the Finance Division described the initiative as a way to “monetize surplus electricity, create high-tech jobs, attract billions of dollars in foreign direct investment, and generate billions of dollars for the government.”
The initiative has drawn attention from global Bitcoin miners and data infrastructure firms, with several reportedly visiting Pakistan for exploratory discussions, Dawn reported. PCC officials expect more interest from international players in the coming weeks.
The plan involves repurposing underutilized power generation capacity for high-demand uses like AI data centers and Bitcoin mining operations. This move could help transform what the government described as “a long-standing financial liability” into a source of sustainable revenue.
The announcement represents the initial phase of Pakistan’s digital infrastructure expansion, with future plans including the development of renewable energy-powered facilities using wind, solar, and hydropower resources. The government also plans to offer incentives such as tax holidays and customs duty exemptions to encourage further investment in digital infrastructure.
Bilal Bin Saqib highlighted the potential for Pakistan to generate foreign exchange through Bitcoin mining and suggested that, as regulations evolve, the country could accumulate Bitcoin in a national digital wallet. He also pointed to Pakistan’s competitive advantages compared to regional players such as India and Singapore, citing stable and affordable energy costs and available land for large-scale infrastructure.
