Pakistan Allocates 2,000 MW to Bitcoin Mining, AI Data Centers

Pakistan has dedicated 2,000 megawatts (MW) of power to Bitcoin mining and artificial intelligence (AI) data centers, marking a significant step in its digital transformation strategy. This initiative, announced by the Finance Ministry on May 25, 2025, is the first phase of a national plan aimed at converting excess electricity into a source of digital progress and economic growth.

The Pakistan Crypto Council, backed by the Ministry of Finance, is leading this effort. The surplus electricity, generated by coal-based plants such as Sahiwal, China Hub, and Port Qasim, which are currently operating at just 15% of their capacity, will be utilized for this purpose. The government aims to turn this underutilized energy into a revenue-generating asset, addressing the challenges of high energy costs and excessive production in the energy sector.

Pakistan's digital infrastructure is rapidly advancing, with the recent arrival of the Africa-2 Cable Project, a 45,000-kilometer submarine cable linking 33 countries. This project has enhanced the country's internet system, making it more powerful and reliable. With over 250 million people and 27 million cryptocurrency users, Pakistan is poised to become a regional powerhouse in digital services.

Experts predict that this initiative will attract a significant amount of foreign investment. Global Bitcoin miners and AI infrastructure companies have already shown interest, with several firms visiting Pakistan to explore the opportunity. The government anticipates billions in incoming capital, which could strengthen the economy and create thousands of high-tech jobs, helping Pakistan stay competitive in the digital world.

Bilal Bin Saqib, the CEO of the Pakistan Crypto Council, highlighted that with the right regulations and connections, Pakistan has the potential to lead in these fields. The plans include tax incentives and customs duty exemptions to attract investors. The goal is to position Pakistan ahead of competitors like India and Singapore, whose growth is hindered by expensive power and limited land.

Pakistan is already in the top 10 for crypto use, with an estimated 27 million crypto users by 2025. The decision to allow cryptocurrency in 2025 was a move to accept digital assets. The Pakistan Crypto Council, formed in March, will oversee blockchain technology and promote advances in the industry. This initiative underscores Pakistan's commitment to harnessing its local energy resources to power cutting-edge industry sectors, driving economic growth and positioning the country as a key player in the global digital landscape.