In a bold stride toward digital transformation, the Government of Pakistan has announced the allocation of 2,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity in the first phase of a national initiative aimed at powering Bitcoin mining and Artificial Intelligence (AI) data centers. The move, orchestrated by the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC) under the Ministry of Finance, is designed to monetize surplus electricity, attract billions in foreign investment, and position Pakistan as a global digital powerhouse.
According to a press release from the Finance Ministry, this initiative is part of a sweeping strategy to convert underutilized energy into high-tech jobs and government revenue. Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb hailed the decision as a “pivotal moment” in Pakistan’s digital journey, emphasizing its potential to unlock economic growth by transforming excess energy into innovation and international revenue streams.
Pakistan’s unique geographic location—serving as a digital bridge between Asia, Europe, and the Middle East—gives it a strategic edge for data flow and digital infrastructure. The country’s underused power plants, once a financial burden, are now being repurposed to fuel energy-hungry AI and Bitcoin mining operations, turning idle capacity into a sustainable, revenue-generating asset.
Interest from global Bitcoin miners and data infrastructure companies has surged since the formation of the PCC, with several international firms already exploring opportunities in Pakistan. The government expects this momentum to accelerate following the landmark announcement.
Bilal Bin Saqib, CEO of the Pakistan Crypto Council, described the initiative as transformative, noting that with robust regulation and international collaboration, Pakistan could emerge as a global leader in crypto and AI. He highlighted the potential for the government to generate foreign exchange in US dollars through Bitcoin mining, and even accumulate Bitcoin directly into a national wallet—marking a shift from selling power in rupees to leveraging digital assets for economic stability.
Pakistan’s competitive advantage is further enhanced by the recent landing of the Africa-2 Cable Project, the world’s largest submarine internet cable. This 45,000-kilometre network, connecting 33 countries, has significantly boosted Pakistan’s internet bandwidth and resilience—critical for the high availability required by AI data centers.
With a population exceeding 250 million and more than 40 million crypto users, Pakistan is poised to become a regional leader in digital services. The establishment of local AI data centers is expected to address data sovereignty concerns, bolster cybersecurity, and create thousands of jobs in engineering, IT, and data sciences.
This announcement marks just the first phase of a broader digital infrastructure rollout. Future plans include renewable energy-powered facilities, international partnerships with leading blockchain and AI firms, and the creation of fintech and innovation hubs. The government is also considering incentives such as tax holidays and customs duty exemptions to attract further investment.
As global demand for AI data centers soars—currently outstripping supply by a wide margin—Pakistan’s surplus power, strategic location, and advanced connectivity position it as a compelling destination for digital infrastructure investment.
With the right mix of incentives, investment, and collaboration, Pakistan is setting its sights on becoming a regional epicenter for Web3, AI, and digital innovation—ready to export digital services, accumulate digital assets, and lead the next wave of technological transformation.
