ISLAMABAD: In a landmark move to establish Pakistan as a global center for digital innovation, the government has earmarked 2,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity in the first phase of a national initiative supporting Bitcoin mining and artificial intelligence (AI) data centres.
The initiative, led by the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC) — a government-backed entity under the Ministry of Finance — is part of a broader plan to monetise surplus electricity, generate high-tech employment, attract foreign direct investment, and boost government revenue.
“This strategic allocation marks a pivotal moment in Pakistan’s digital transformation, unlocking economic potential by converting excess energy into innovation, investment, and international revenue,” said Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb.
Pakistan, ranked third globally in crypto adoption, has over 20 million active cryptocurrency users and has processed more than $20 billion in transactions. With annual remittances of $35 billion, the country is well-positioned to capitalise on expanding digital asset usage.
Formed in March, the PCC aims to regulate and integrate blockchain technology and digital assets into Pakistan’s financial system. Entrepreneur Bilal Bin Saqib was appointed as CEO, reflecting the government’s commitment to modernising its financial ecosystem through digital innovation.
“Pakistan is uniquely positioned — both geographically and economically — to become a global hub for data centres. Serving as a digital bridge between Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, it offers one of the world’s most strategic locations for data flow and infrastructure,” the Finance Division stated.
Since the PCC’s inception, global Bitcoin miners and data infrastructure companies have shown strong interest. Several international firms have already visited Pakistan for preliminary discussions, with more expected following this announcement.
The plan leverages Pakistan’s underused power generation capacity. AI data centres and Bitcoin mining facilities, which require consistent, high energy input, offer an ideal solution for repurposing surplus electricity — particularly from underperforming plants — into a profitable, sustainable asset.
“This initiative transforms an economic burden into a strategic advantage,” the statement noted.
PCC CEO Bilal Bin Saqib highlighted the project’s transformative potential, stressing that with proper regulation, transparency, and global partnerships, Pakistan could emerge as a leading player in both crypto and AI sectors.
He added that the energy-backed digital strategy will not only attract high-value investments but also enable the government to earn foreign exchange in US dollars through Bitcoin mining. Over time, Pakistan could accumulate Bitcoin in a national digital wallet, shifting from selling electricity in rupees to acquiring digital assets that support economic resilience.
Pakistan’s competitive edge lies in offering stable, affordable energy — a stark contrast to regional competitors like India and Singapore, where high energy costs and limited land availability hinder scalability.
Globally, demand for AI data centre capacity has soared to over 100 gigawatts (GW), while supply lags at just 15GW. This significant gap presents a major opportunity for countries like Pakistan with ample power, land, and a developing regulatory environment.
Further strengthening Pakistan’s digital readiness, the country recently became a landing point for the world’s largest submarine internet cable — the Africa-2 Cable Project. Spanning 45,000 kilometers across 33 countries and 46 landing stations, the cable enhances internet speed, reliability, and redundancy — critical for AI and cloud infrastructure operations.
With more than 40 million crypto users, Pakistan is poised to become a regional leader in digital services. Establishing local AI data centres will enhance data sovereignty, cybersecurity, and service delivery, while advancing national capabilities in cloud computing and AI technologies.
