Pakistan Dedicates 2,000MW of Surplus Power to Bitcoin Mining and AI Development
Government allocates excess electricity to boost investment in crypto and artificial intelligence sectors
Pakistan has committed 2,000 megawatts of surplus electricity specifically for Bitcoin mining and artificial intelligence (AI) facilities, in a strategic move to draw international investors.
This allocation is a core element of the country’s broader digital transformation strategy, led by the Pakistan Crypto Council in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, as detailed in a May 25 report by local media outlet 24NewsHD TV Channel.
During the initial rollout, the government will redirect unused power capacity to support crypto mining and AI infrastructure. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb stated that the initiative is projected to bring in significant foreign capital and create advanced technology jobs across Pakistan.
A subsequent phase will introduce renewable energy sources into the mix, aligning the initiative with sustainable development goals.
Pakistan Introduces Tax Breaks to Lure Crypto and AI Firms
The report indicates growing interest from global Bitcoin mining companies and AI enterprises. Officials confirmed that several international delegations have recently visited Pakistan to explore business opportunities.
To strengthen its investment appeal, the Ministry of Finance unveiled a series of tax incentives for AI centers and customs duty exemptions for Bitcoin mining operations.
Bilal Bin Saqib, CEO of the Pakistan Crypto Council, welcomed the announcement, describing it as a “milestone” in the nation’s digital economy trajectory.
Saqib emphasized that a well-defined regulatory environment and transparent governance could position Pakistan as a key contender in the worldwide crypto and AI landscape.
His original proposal to utilize the country’s surplus energy for Bitcoin mining was presented during the Crypto Council’s first meeting on March 21, attended by key government and regulatory figures, including lawmakers, the central bank governor, the SECP chairman, and the federal IT secretary.
New Regulatory Body to Oversee Digital Assets in Pakistan
On May 21, the Ministry of Finance approved the establishment of a new authority tasked with overseeing blockchain-related financial infrastructure.
The Pakistan Digital Assets Authority (PDAA) will function as the regulatory body responsible for licensing and monitoring digital exchanges, custodians, digital wallets, tokenization platforms, stablecoins, and decentralized finance (DeFi) services.
The PDAA will also oversee the tokenization of national assets and government debt, support the regulated use of surplus electricity for crypto mining, and assist startups in scaling blockchain-based solutions.
Pakistan currently ranks ninth globally in Chainalysis’ 2024 crypto adoption index, largely driven by strong retail participation and centralized service usage.
According to Statista, the country’s crypto market is rapidly expanding, with projections suggesting over 27 million users by 2025 out of a total population of 247 million.
