Pakistan has announced the allocation of 2,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity to Bitcoin mining and artificial intelligence (AI) data centers. This project, led by the Ministry of Finance and the newly formed Pakistan Crypto Council, represents a fundamental shift in national energy and economic policies. By repurposing spare electricity capacity, the government hopes to attract international investment, generate digital revenue, and position Pakistan Bitcoin mining AI data centers as a competitive hub for high-performance computing.
Strategic Timing for Pakistan Bitcoin Mining and AI Surge
According to Bloomberg, Pakistan will allocate 2,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity in its first phase to support Bitcoin mining operations and artificial intelligence (AI) data centres. The Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC), a state-funded organisation overseen by the Ministry of Finance, is in charge of the project.
Pakistan hopes to transform inactive infrastructure into engines of technological progress by tapping into its surplus electricity, particularly from coal-powered plants such as Sahiwal, China Hub, and Port Qasim, which are now operating at a fraction of capacity. According to the Finance Ministry, this digital energy conversion has the potential to create billions of dollars in revenue while also creating high-tech jobs for the local populace.
Pakistan has faced a persistent imbalance between electricity generation and consumption, leading to surplus power, rising capacity payments, and mounting financial pressure. The government’s new initiative aims to convert this excess energy into economic value through digital exports, cryptocurrency mining, and global data services.
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb called the move a pivotal step in the country’s digital transformation. With large segments of the power grid underutilized and high electricity costs pushing consumers toward renewables, the plan offers a timely solution to turn idle capacity into high-value digital infrastructure.
Positioning Pakistan as a Global Digital Hub
Beyond data centres, the government intends to build a strong legislative and investment environment to assist blockchain, cryptocurrencies, and artificial intelligence. With a population of more than 250 million and over 40 million cryptocurrency users, Pakistan has the potential to be a regional leader in digital innovation.
Efforts are underway to legalise cryptocurrencies, provide tax breaks for data centres, and grant import duty exemptions for Bitcoin mining, creating the groundwork for the country to emerge as a prominent player in the global digital economy.
Pakistan’s strategic location positions it as a vital digital corridor linking Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, enhancing its appeal for international data flow and infrastructure investment. The arrival of the 45,000-kilometer Africa-2 Submarine Cable, connecting 33 countries through 46 landing sites, has significantly expanded the nation’s bandwidth capacity. This major upgrade strengthens Pakistan’s case as a cost-efficient, scalable destination for global data infrastructure in a region primed for digital growth.
Bilal Bin Saqib, Chief Adviser to the Finance Minister on the Crypto Council, emphasized Pakistan’s potential to become a global hub for AI and blockchain, citing the urgent global demand for AI data centers, over 100 GW, against a limited 15 GW supply. With ample power, land, and supportive policies, he noted, Pakistan is well-positioned to seize this opportunity.
Conclusion
As Pakistan progresses, the government intends to provide additional incentives, such as lower income taxes and lower import tariffs, to ensure the long-term viability of tech ventures that may not yield immediate returns but promise significant benefits in terms of job creation, technological advancement, and environmental stewardship.
The initial phase focuses on attracting foreign direct investment through low-cost energy and investor-friendly policies. Several foreign crypto mining and infrastructure corporations have already met with the administration, and additional delegations are due shortly.
The subsequent phases will concentrate on integrating renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower into the mining and data centre frameworks. This change intends to improve environmental sustainability while establishing Pakistan as a leader in clean technology adoption.
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