Pakistan allocates 2,000MW power to Bitcoin mining

The federal government has allocated 2,000 megawatts of electricity to support Bitcoin mining and artificial intelligence (AI) data centres, marking the first phase of a broader strategy to establish Pakistan as a hub for digital innovation and investment.

The initiative is being led by the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC), launched in March to integrate blockchain technology and digital assets into the national economy. The council operates under the Finance Division, which stated the move aims to monetise surplus electricity, attract foreign investment, and generate revenue through digital services.

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb described the plan as a significant milestone in the country’s digital transformation. He said Pakistan’s geographic location — at the crossroads of Asia, Europe, and the Middle East — offers strategic advantages for global data flow and infrastructure development.

The government noted strong international interest, with several global firms engaging in exploratory discussions. Authorities say surplus energy — particularly from underutilised power plants — can now be redirected to high-consumption industries like Bitcoin mining and AI processing, converting liabilities into economic assets.

PCC Chief Adviser Bilal Bin Saqib highlighted the potential for foreign exchange earnings via Bitcoin mining and future plans to establish a national digital asset wallet. He added that Pakistan offers a cost-competitive environment compared to countries like India and Singapore, due to lower power costs and ample land.

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The plan also includes incentives such as tax holidays and duty exemptions, with future developments expected to involve renewable energy sources and partnerships with global tech firms. The recent landing of the Africa-2 submarine internet cable in Pakistan is expected to further boost digital connectivity.

Officials anticipate the creation of thousands of jobs and a boost to Pakistan’s capabilities in AI, cybersecurity, and cloud computing.