Pakistan Allocates 2,000 MW of Electricity for Bitcoin Mining and AI Data Centers

Pakistan Allocates 2,000-MW Capacity to Power Bitcoin Mining

Pakistan has allocated 2,000 megawatts of electricity in the first phase of a national push to support Bitcoin mining and AI data centers, as the country moves to legalize cryptocurrency and attract foreign investments. The initiative, led by the Pakistan Crypto Council, will also help monetize surplus energy and create high-tech jobs, the finance ministry said in a statement. Coal-based power projects like Sahiwal, China Hub, and Port Qasim, currently operating at 15% capacity, are among those expected to be repurposed for this effort, the ministry said.

Pakistan allocates 2,000 megawatts of electricity to bitcoin mining, AI data centres

ISLAMABAD, May 25 (Reuters) - Pakistan will allocate 2,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity in the first phase of a national initiative to power bitcoin mining and AI data centres, its finance ministry said on Sunday. The allocation is part of Islamabad's plans to use its surplus electricity to bitcoin mining and AI data centres. Pakistan's energy sector is grappling with challenges, including high electricity tariffs and surplus generation capacity. The rapid expansion of solar energy has further complicated the landscape, as more consumers turn to alternative energy sources to mitigate high costs. The initiative is spearheaded by the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC), a government-backed body, which is part of a broader strategy to monetize surplus electricity, create high-tech jobs, and attract foreign investment, the ministry said. The allocation is the first phase of a broader, multi-stage digital infrastructure roll-out, it added. Reporting by Asif Shahzad; Editing by Christian Schmollinger Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles., opens new tab Suggested Topics:Climate & EnergyGovernanceRegulatory OversightGrid & InfrastructureClean Energy

IMF raises concern over Pakistan's Bitcoin mining power plan: report

IMF questions Pakistan's plan to allocate 2,000 megawatts of electricity for Bitcoin mining amid energy shortages and budget talks. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has raised concerns over Pakistan's decision to allocate 2,000 megawatts of electricity for Bitcoin mining and artificial intelligence data centers amid ongoing negotiations tied to the country's extended financial program. The initiative, announced last week, is designed to attract autonomous miners, blockchain companies, and AI firms to Pakistan. However, the IMF has raised red flags about the move, requesting urgent clarification from the Finance Ministry regarding the legality of crypto mining and the power allocations, particularly as the nation struggles with chronic energy shortages and fiscal pressures, according to a report by local news outlets Samaa. Per the report, the IMF was not consulted prior to the announcement and is questioning the legal standing of cryptocurrencies in Pakistan. The Fund has also voiced concerns over potential impacts on power tariffs and resource distribution. "There is a fear of further tough talks from the IMF on this initiative," an official involved in the ongoing negotiations reportedly said. "The economic team is already facing stiff questions, and this move has only added to the complexities of the talks." Related: Pakistan announces Bitcoin strategic reserve The IMF delegation, currently conducting virtual discussions with Pakistani officials, is expected to schedule a separate session dedicated to the government's electricity plan for Bitcoin (BTC) mining and AI operations. The electricity allocation is part of a wider national strategy to integrate digital assets into Pakistan's economy. A key component of this plan is the establishment of the Pakistan Digital Asset Authority (PDAA), approved by the Finance Ministry on May 21. The PDAA will regulate exchanges, wallets, stablecoins, and DeFi platforms while overseeing the tokenization of national assets in line with international frameworks such as those of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). The development follows Pakistan's high-profile debut of its first strategic Bitcoin reserve at the Bitcoin Vegas 2025 conference last week -- an event signaling Islamabad's pivot toward digital finance. During the conference, Bilal bin Saqib, crypto adviser to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, announced the launch of a national Bitcoin wallet and the government's commitment to support the digital asset sector. Related: Pakistan appoints special assistant to PM on blockchain and crypto Pakistan signals new approach to crypto sector Pakistan's government began shifting its stance on cryptocurrencies earlier this year with the proposal of a "National Crypto Council" in February 2025. The body was tasked with drafting a comprehensive regulatory framework for digital assets and attracting foreign investment to the country's growing crypto ecosystem. Among the Council's early proposals were plans to utilize surplus energy for Bitcoin mining and data center operations, as well as building a national Bitcoin reserve. Binance co-founder Changpeng Zhao was also appointed as an adviser to the Council in April. In this role, he is expected to provide guidance on crypto regulations, blockchain infrastructure, and digital asset adoption.

Pakistan allocates 2,000MW power for Bitcoin mining and AI centers

Pakistan has allocated 2,000 megawatts of surplus electricity exclusively for Bitcoin mining and artificial intelligence centers. The move is part of a broader digital transformation plan spearheaded by the Pakistan Crypto Council and backed by the Ministry of Finance, according to a May 25 report by local news outlet 24NewsHD TV Channel. In the first phase, the government plans to channel excess power into AI infrastructure and crypto mining operations. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said the decision is expected to attract billions in foreign investment while generating high-tech employment across the country. The initiative's second phase will introduce access to renewable energy for mining operations, aiming to balance growth with environmental responsibility. Related: Trump-backed World Liberty Financial partners with Pakistan Crypto Council Per the report, interest from international Bitcoin (BTC) miners and AI firms has already picked up. Officials confirmed that multiple foreign delegations have visited Pakistan in recent months to explore potential partnerships. To further incentivize investment, the Ministry of Finance announced a package of tax incentives for AI centers and duty exemptions for Bitcoin miners. Bilal Bin Saqib, CEO of Pakistan's Crypto Council, reportedly welcomed the development, calling it a "turning point" for the country's digital economy. Saqib claimed that with clear regulations and a transparent framework, Pakistan could emerge as a significant player in the global crypto and AI sectors. Saqib first proposed using the country's runoff energy to fuel Bitcoin mining at the Crypto Council's inaugural meeting on March 21. The meeting included lawmakers, the Bank of Pakistan's governor, the chairman of Pakistan's Securities and Exchange Commission (SECP), and the federal information technology secretary. Related: Pakistan proposes compliance-based crypto regulatory framework -- Report On May 21, Pakistan's Ministry of Finance endorsed the creation of a dedicated body to regulate blockchain-based financial infrastructure in the country. The Pakistan Digital Assets Authority (PDAA) will serve as a regulatory body to oversee licensing and regulating exchanges, custodians, wallets, tokenized platforms, stablecoins, and decentralized finance applications. The PDAA will also be tasked with tokenizing national assets and government debt, facilitating monetization of Pakistan's surplus electricity through regulated Bitcoin mining, and helping startups build blockchain-based solutions at scale. Pakistan ranked highly in Chainalysis' 2024 crypto adoption index, coming in ninth, mainly due to strong retail adoption and transactions at centralized services. Data from Statista also shows Pakistan's crypto market is "experiencing rapid growth," estimating the number of crypto users to amount to over 27 million by 2025, out of a population of 247 million.

Pakistan allocates 2,000 megawatts of electricity to bitcoin mining, AI data centres

Pakistan plans to allocate 2,000 MW of electricity for bitcoin mining and AI data centers in its first phase, aiming to monetize surplus electricity and attract foreign investment. This initiative, led by the Pakistan Crypto Council, seeks to address challenges in the energy sector, including high tariffs and surplus generation capacity, while creating high-tech jobs.Pakistan will allocate 2,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity in the first phase of a national initiative to power bitcoin mining and AI data centres, its finance ministry said on Sunday. The allocation is part of Islamabad's plans to use its surplus electricity to bitcoin mining and AI data centres. Pakistan's energy sector is grappling with challenges, including high electricity tariffs and surplus generation capacity. The rapid expansion of solar energy has further complicated the landscape, as more consumers turn to alternative energy sources to mitigate high costs. The initiative is spearheaded by the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC), a government-backed body, which is part of a broader strategy to monetize surplus electricity, create high-tech jobs, and attract foreign investment, the ministry said. The allocation is the first phase of a broader, multi-stage digital infrastructure roll-out, it added.

Pakistan allocates 2,000-MW capacity to power Bitcoin mining

Pakistan is allocating 2,000 MW of electricity to support Bitcoin mining and AI data centers, aiming to legalize cryptocurrency and attract foreign investment. This initiative, spearheaded by the Pakistan Crypto Council, seeks to monetize surplus energy and generate high-tech employment. The government is repurposing underutilized coal-based power plants and establishing a regulatory framework to boost the local crypto ecosystem.Pakistan has allocated 2,000 megawatts of electricity in the first phase of a national push to support Bitcoin mining and AI data centres, as the country moves to legalise cryptocurrency and attract foreign investments. The initiative, led by the Pakistan Crypto Council, will also help monetise surplus energy and create high-tech jobs, the finance ministry said in a statement. Coal-based power projects like Sahiwal, China Hub, and Port Qasim, currently operating at 15% capacity, are among those expected to be repurposed for this effort, the ministry said. Pakistan's federal government is seeking investments to bolster an economy that narrowly avoided default in 2023. With an estimated 15-20 million crypto users, the country aims to establish a regulatory framework to boost its local ecosystem and attract global capital. In April, it roped in Changpeng Zhao, the co-founder of the world's largest crypto exchange Binance, to set up a digital finance platform. The Crypto Council has also signed an initial pact with US President Donald Trump's crypto project to accelerate blockchain innovation. The country has attracted interest from global crypto miners and data infrastructure firms, according to the finance ministry statement, which didn't disclose specific names.

Bitcoin Gets Official Push As This South Asian Nation Assigns 2000 MW Surplus Energy For Mining

Pakistan's finance ministry unveiled plans Sunday to assign 2000 megawatts of electricity to power Bitcoin BTC/USD mining and artificial intelligence data centers. What Happened: The move is part of the South Asian nation's strategy to harness its excess electricity for mining operations -- a way through which new BTC are brought into circulation, as reported by Reuters. The initiative is being led by the Pakistan Crypto Council, a government-backed regulatory body tasked with promoting blockchains and digital assets within the country. According to the finance ministry, the goal is to leverage surplus electricity to create high-tech job opportunities and attract foreign investment. Why It Matters: Pakistan's energy sector has long struggled with difficulties such as excessive electricity pricing and excess producing capacity, according to Dawn, Pakistan's largest English newspaper. Miners help stabilize a power system by turning on their activities when there is excess capacity of electricity, and substantially reducing them when there is a need for increased utilization under adverse weather conditions. See Also: Ripple Plans $11B Circle Acquisition Amid Whale Shorts and XRP Market Tension Get StartedTrade Bitcoin, Ethereum, and More Instantly -- No Wallets, No Hassle Speculate on price movements, claim up to $200 in bonuses, and start with risk-free paper trading with crypto futures on Plus500. Get StartedDisclosure: 82% of retail CFD accounts lose money Pakistan has been making concerted efforts to spread its wings in the cryptocurrency space. Last month, it roped in Changpeng Zhao, the co-founder of the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange Binance, as the strategic advisor of the Pakistan Crypto Council. The body also signed a pact with World Liberty Financial, a cryptocurrency platform backed by President Donald Trump, to "accelerate" blockchain innovation in the Asian country. Price Action: At the time of writing, BTC was exchanging hands at $109,336.25, up 1.08% in the last 24 hours, according to data from Benzinga Pro. Photo Courtesy: PalSand on Shutterstock.com Read Next: White House Says Gold Reserves May Be Used to Purchase Bitcoin $BTCBitcoin$109735.040.64%Stock Score Locked: Want to See it? Benzinga Rankings give you vital metrics on any stock - anytime. Reveal Full ScoreEdge RankingsMomentumNot AvailablePrice TrendShortMediumLongOverviewMarket News and Data brought to you by Benzinga APIs

Just-In: IMF Raises Red Flag Over Pakistan's Bitcoin Mining Plans

A coingape report last week highlighted that Pakistan is part of IMF programme and IMF may raise concerns. Pakistan's strategic plans to harness its energy resources for Bitcoin mining and artificial intelligence have hit a roadblock, with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) expressing concerns over the initiative. Amid the country's energy shortages and fiscal challenges, the IMF is seeking immediate clarification from the Finance Ministry on its legality and power allocation. Significantly, this development validates concerns raised by CoinGape in a recent report, highlighting potential IMF scrutiny. Pakistan Faces Scrutiny over Bitcoin Mining Initiative As reported by Samaa, a local news media, Pakistan faced increased scrutiny from the IMF regarding its potential plans to allocate 2000 MW of power for Bitcoin mining and AI. Sources within the Finance Ministry revealed that the IMF was not informed about Pakistan's crypto mining plan. The familiar sources added that the global lender questioned cryptocurrencies' legal status in the country. However, the possibility of Pakistan establishing a Bitcoin reserve hangs in the balance amid the ongoing scrutiny. In a recent report, CoinGape highlighted the IMF's possible concerns over Pakistan's Bitcoin reserve plan, particularly given the IMF's recent interactions with El Salvador. With El Salvador, the authority reached a state-level agreement that included requests for the country to refrain from purchasing more Bitcoin and to limit public access to the Chivo wallet app. Reportedly, the government has yet to establish a formal policy framework or address the IMF's concerns regarding power tariffs and resource allocation. According to insiders, the IMF has emphasized that all policy actions under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) require prior consultation. However, the IMF hasn't publicly shared comments on the matter. A spokesperson cited, There is a fear of further tough talks from the IMF on this initiative. The economic team is already facing stiff questions, and this move has only added to the complexities of the ongoing talks. Will Pakistan Establish a Bitcoin Reserve Amid IMF Scrutiny? Recently, during his speech at the Bitcoin Conference, Pakistan's crypto czar, Bilal Bin Saqib, revealed the country's plans for embracing a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. He also revealed plans for focusing on Bitcoin mining, in an attempt to place Pakistan at the forefront of the global crypto market. Saqib stated, "We want to welcome all miners to come to Pakistan, all the infrastructure players to come to Pakistan and build with us." Despite the government's enthusiasm for leveraging cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology, the absence of a formal policy framework and the IMF's concerns over legality and power allocation pose significant hurdles. The delegation is expected to hold a dedicated virtual session with Pakistani officials to review the plan for providing electricity to Bitcoin mining and AI data centres.

Pakistan Dedicates 2,000 Megawatts to Bitcoin and AI in Bid to Attract Global Investment

Pakistan allocates 2,000 MW of surplus power for Bitcoin mining and AI. | Credit: Thierry Monasse/Getty Images. Pakistan has taken one of its most significant steps toward embracing crypto by allocating 2,000 megawatts of surplus electricity for Bitcoin mining and AI data centers -- more power than the entire national grid of Zimbabwe generates. Pakistan Turns Pro-Crypto To Attract Global Investment The decision, announced by the Finance Ministry, marks the first phase in a broader national strategy to modernize digital infrastructure and attract global tech investment. The initiative includes plans to integrate renewable energy and establish a regulatory framework aimed at turning Pakistan into a regional crypto and AI hub. Just a few years ago, Pakistan was one of the few countries that enforced an outright ban on crypto. Now, following a shift in political leadership, the government is moving aggressively in the opposite direction. The country's crypto U-turn is led by the newly formed Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC), with support from former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao, who has reportedly been brought on to advise the government's digital strategy. The plan includes legal reforms, foreign investment incentives, and a roadmap to monetize the country's electricity surplus through crypto mining. International firms have already begun responding. Several foreign delegations have visited to assess opportunities in the country's emerging crypto and AI sectors. The government has also introduced tax breaks to sweeten the deal. Scaling Ambitions Officials describe this energy allocation as just the beginning. With nearly 15 to 20 million crypto users, Pakistan is positioning itself to capitalize on its untapped digital market. The government sees Bitcoin mining as a gateway to broader ambitions: creating high-tech jobs, expanding the national digital economy, and securing foreign capital inflows.

In a Bid to Woo Trump, Pakistan's Bitcoin Move Meets Regulatory Wall

Pakistan's announcement of a government-backed Strategic Bitcoin Reserve has ignited a firestorm of controversy, exposing deep contradictions within the nation's cryptocurrency policy. While the federal government promotes digital asset initiatives, key financial regulators maintain a firm stance against cryptocurrency, leaving investors and policymakers grappling with uncertainty. On May 28, 2025, Bilal Bin Saqib, CEO of the Pakistan Crypto Council and newly appointed Special Assistant to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Blockchain and Cryptocurrency, unveiled plans for Pakistan's first government-led Strategic Bitcoin Reserve at the conference. Saqib emphasized the country's inspiration from the United States, stating, "We want to thank the US because we are getting inspired by them." He further announced that Pakistan would allocate 2,000 megawatts of electricity to support mining and artificial intelligence data centers, signaling a significant commitment to the digital economy.

Pakistan allocates 2,000 megawatts of electricity to bitcoin mining, AI data centres

ISLAMABAD (Reuters) -Pakistan will allocate 2,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity in the first phase of a national initiative to power bitcoin mining and AI data centres, its finance ministry said on Sunday. The allocation is part of Islamabad's plans to use its surplus electricity to bitcoin mining and AI data centres. Pakistan's energy sector is grappling with challenges, including high electricity tariffs and surplus generation capacity. The rapid expansion of solar energy has further complicated the landscape, as more consumers turn to alternative energy sources to mitigate high costs. The initiative is spearheaded by the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC), a government-backed body, which is part of a broader strategy to monetize surplus electricity, create high-tech jobs, and attract foreign investment, the ministry said. The allocation is the first phase of a broader, multi-stage digital infrastructure roll-out, it added. (Reporting by Asif Shahzad; Editing by Christian Schmollinger)