In a bold leap toward digital transformation, the Government of Pakistan has launched a strategic initiative allocating 2,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity to power Bitcoin mining and Artificial Intelligence (AI) data centers. This move, part of the first phase of a national digital infrastructure plan, aims to harness surplus energy for high-value technological innovation.
According to the Finance Ministry, the initiative is led by the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC), a government-backed entity under the Ministry of Finance. The strategy is designed to attract billions in foreign investment, create thousands of tech-sector jobs, and generate significant revenue by repurposing idle power assets.
Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb called the initiative a turning point in Pakistan’s digital future, positioning the country as a critical node between Asia, Europe, and the Middle East—making it an ideal location for global data centers.
International interest in Pakistan’s digital potential is rising. Several global data and crypto infrastructure companies have already begun exploratory visits, with more expected following this major announcement.
The government plans to convert excess power from underutilized plants into a revenue stream through AI data centers and Bitcoin mining—industries known for their constant, energy-intensive operations. These centers can absorb surplus power and provide a consistent return, transforming financial liabilities into sustainable digital assets.
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Bilal Bin Saqib, CEO of the PCC, emphasized that with transparent regulation and global partnerships, Pakistan could emerge as a global crypto and AI powerhouse. He highlighted that this shift will enable Pakistan to earn foreign exchange directly in USD through Bitcoin mining, helping stabilize the economy.
Future plans include creating a national crypto wallet to hold Bitcoin reserves, shifting revenue generation from local currency to digital assets. This pivot could redefine Pakistan’s economic trajectory.
Pakistan’s advantages are considerable: cheap, stable electricity; vast land availability; and lower operational costs compared to regional competitors like India and Singapore. At the same time, global demand for AI data centers—estimated at over 100 GW—far exceeds the current supply of around 15 GW, giving Pakistan a rare opportunity to meet this demand.
The country’s digital connectivity recently received a boost with the landing of the Africa-2 submarine internet cable—part of a 45,000 km network spanning 33 countries. This development enhances bandwidth, latency, and operational stability, all vital for modern data infrastructure.
With a population of over 250 million and more than 40 million crypto users, Pakistan is well-positioned to become a leader in Web3 and AI. The plan includes building local AI data centers to bolster cybersecurity, ensure data sovereignty, and improve digital service delivery. These centers will create thousands of jobs and contribute to a growing workforce skilled in engineering, IT, and data science.
This announcement is only the beginning of a larger rollout. Future phases will include data centers powered by renewable sources like wind, solar, and hydropower. Pakistan’s Gharo-Keti Bandar corridor alone has a wind energy potential of 50,000 MW. The strategy also envisions tax holidays, equipment duty exemptions, and reduced taxes to attract AI developers.
In summary, Pakistan’s surplus electricity, geographic location, advanced connectivity, and digital readiness make it a formidable contender for regional leadership in AI, blockchain, and Web3 technologies. With the right mix of policy, investment, and innovation, the country is on course to become a global hub for digital infrastructure and economic growth through technology.
