Pakistan Announces 2,000 MW Bitcoin Reserve, Shifts Crypto Stance

Pakistan has made a significant shift in its stance on cryptocurrencies by announcing the establishment of a strategic Bitcoin reserve. Bilal Bin Saqib, head of Pakistan’s crypto council, revealed this development on May 28 at the Bitcoin 2025 conference in Las Vegas, Nevada. Saqib highlighted that the government of Pakistan is following the United States’ lead in embracing pro-crypto regulatory policies and setting up a government-led Bitcoin Strategic Reserve. This announcement marks a departure from the previous stance of the Pakistani government, which had maintained that cryptocurrencies would never be legal in the country.

The move reflects a broader trend among nation-states adopting pro-crypto policies, particularly in response to the regulatory shift in Washington, DC under the administration of President Donald Trump. By establishing a strategic Bitcoin reserve, Pakistan aims to leverage its excess electricity for Bitcoin mining and AI infrastructure development. The Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC) is spearheading this effort, which involves allocating 2,000 megawatts (MW) of surplus electricity to support these activities. This energy allotment is substantial and exceeds the total national power output of some countries, positioning Pakistan as a leader in digital innovation.

The decision to dedicate such a large amount of electricity to Bitcoin mining and AI development is strategic. It aims to boost Pakistan's digital growth and strengthen its tech economy. By doing so, Pakistan is attracting global interest from crypto exchange platforms and data center operators. This move is expected to enhance Pakistan's digital infrastructure and foster technological advancements within the region. The allocation of 2,000 MW of electricity for Bitcoin mining and AI data centers is part of the first phase of a national initiative designed to revolutionize Pakistan's digital landscape and establish it as a hub for technological innovation.

The government's commitment to this initiative is evident in its appointment of a special adviser to the Prime Minister, tasked with creating a regulatory framework to promote crypto adoption. This framework will likely include guidelines for mining operations, data center management, and the integration of AI technologies. The strategic reserve of Bitcoin is not just about mining; it is also about leveraging the excess energy that Pakistan has. By channeling this surplus energy into Bitcoin mining and AI development, Pakistan is not only utilizing its resources efficiently but also creating new economic opportunities. The move is expected to attract investments from global crypto exchange platforms and data center operators, further boosting the country's tech economy.

The initiative is also expected to have broader implications for Pakistan's economy. By becoming a leader in digital innovation, Pakistan can attract more investments and create new job opportunities in the tech sector. This, in turn, can drive economic growth and development, benefiting the country as a whole. The government's proactive approach to embracing digital technologies and cryptocurrencies is a testament to its commitment to modernizing the economy and positioning Pakistan as a global player in the digital age.