Pakistan Plans 2000 Megawatts for Bitcoin Mining Amid IMF Concerns

Pakistan’s Minister of State for Crypto and Blockchain, Bilal Bin Saqib, held a significant meeting with Robert “Bo” Hines, the executive director of US President Donald Trump’s Council on Digital Assets, during a visit to the White House. The primary focus of their discussion was to enhance cooperation between Pakistan and the United States in the realm of digital assets, with a particular emphasis on Bitcoin (BTC), potential partnerships, and the future of decentralized finance.

One of the key topics of conversation was Pakistan’s newly announced Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. Saqib expressed his mission to position Pakistan as a global leader in digital assets, highlighting the country’s efforts to launch the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and unlock national infrastructure for crypto mining and AI data zones. This initiative aims to build a robust framework for digital asset adoption and economic modernization.

Hines, who was appointed by Trump earlier in the year, leads US policy on digital assets and collaborates with Council Chair David Sacks. The Trump administration has shown a strong interest in establishing the United States as a global leader in the digital asset space.

Beyond the White House meeting, Saqib also engaged with officials from the White House Counsel’s Office to discuss legal frameworks surrounding blockchain governance. Pakistan’s broader crypto strategy includes plans to allocate 2,000 megawatts of surplus power toward Bitcoin mining and AI data zones, aiming to transform unused energy into digital productivity, create jobs, and expand national infrastructure.

The country is also in the process of developing a regulatory framework for digital assets. On May 21, Pakistan’s Ministry of Finance endorsed the creation of a dedicated body, the Pakistan Digital Assets Authority (PDAA), to regulate blockchain-based financial infrastructure. The PDAA will oversee licensing and regulating exchanges, custodians, wallets, tokenized platforms, stablecoins, and decentralized finance applications.

However, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has raised concerns over Pakistan’s decision to allocate 2,000 megawatts of electricity for Bitcoin mining and AI data centers. The IMF has requested urgent clarification from the Finance Ministry regarding the legality of crypto mining and the power allocations, particularly as the nation faces chronic energy shortages and fiscal pressures.

Despite these concerns, Pakistan’s steps toward structured regulation indicate longer-term opportunities for Bitcoin's integration. The country’s commitment to aligning its policies with global standards, including FATF compliance, shows a serious effort to create a sustainable and secure digital asset market. This initiative, coupled with the proposed new crypto regulations, could position Pakistan as a significant player in the global digital asset landscape.