The government has yet to secure the International Monetary Fund’s approval for a plan to provide cheaper electricity to Bitcoin mining operations, Ministry of Energy sources told RBN.

The proposal is expected to come up again when Pakistan begins its next round of talks with the IMF.

Under the plan, the government wants to offer Bitcoin miners electricity at concessional rates as part of its efforts to develop the country’s digital asset and data center sectors.

However, sources said Pakistan and the IMF have not yet reached an agreement on the proposal.

The issue is being discussed as the government works on wider power-sector reforms aimed at improving cost recovery and limiting electricity subsidies to targeted areas.

Pakistan and the IMF are scheduled to begin talks on September 22 for the fourth review of the country’s $7 billion Extended Fund Facility program.

The government is expected to raise the Bitcoin mining electricity proposal again during the talks, sources added.