Pakistan Embraces Bitcoin Mining, Aims to Monetize 10,000 Megawatts of Surplus Energy

Pakistan is emerging as a significant player in the cryptocurrency sector by embracing Bitcoin mining and blockchain technology. The country has shifted its stance on cryptocurrencies, aiming to create a regulatory framework for crypto investments. This move is part of a broader strategy to leverage surplus energy for Bitcoin mining and the development of artificial intelligence (AI) data centers.

Pakistan's energy sector faces challenges such as high electricity tariffs and underutilized generation capacity. The growing adoption of solar energy has added complexity, as more consumers turn to alternative energy sources to manage costs. In response, discussions with various mining firms are underway to establish mining centers in regions with an abundance of unused electricity. This would create a strategic opportunity to monetize surplus power.

Bitcoin Pakistan highlighted that there is at least 10,000 megawatts of surplus energy under government control that can be used to mine Bitcoin. This announcement follows the country’s power division revealing plans to introduce a new electricity tariff aimed at absorbing surplus power and reducing the financial strain of capacity payments. This tariff structure is crucial for ensuring that energy-intensive operations like cryptocurrency mining can access affordable electricity without relying on government subsidies.

This move marks a significant departure from Pakistan’s previous position on digital assets. Just a year ago, the State Bank of Pakistan and the Ministry of IT and Telecom had imposed a ban on cryptocurrencies. At the time, Aisha Ghaus Pasha, the then Minister of State for Finance, firmly stated that digital currencies would never be legalized or permitted as a medium of exchange. Nearly two years after Pakistan’s stringent ban on cryptocurrencies, the country has now reversed its stance and is actively working to regulate and integrate blockchain technology and digital assets.

This shift was solidified with the establishment of the Pakistan Crypto Council in March 2025. Adding momentum to this initiative, Changpeng Zhao, the founder of Binance, has been appointed as a Strategic Advisor to the Pakistan Crypto Council. This appointment reflects Pakistan’s broader goal of creating a clear regulatory framework for digital assets. Bilal bin Saqib, the CEO of the Crypto Council, emphasized that Pakistan is done sitting on the sidelines and wants to attract international investment because Pakistan is a low-cost high-growth market with a Web3 native workforce ready to build.

In conclusion, Pakistan’s pivot towards Bitcoin mining and cryptocurrency regulation represents a significant strategic shift in its economic policy. The country aims to fully capitalize on its energy resources while integrating into the global digital economy. With a focus on regulatory clarity and investment attraction, Pakistan appears to be positioning itself for notable growth in the volatile yet promising landscape of cryptocurrencies.