Pakistan to Use Surplus Power for Bitcoin Mining, AI Data Centers: Report

Pakistan is exploring the use of its surplus electricity to power Bitcoin mining operations and artificial intelligence (AI) data centres, according to a Reuters report. Bilal Bin Saqib, head of Pakistan’s Crypto Council and adviser to the finance minister, disclosed this significant initiative, noting that discussions have been held with several mining firms.

Pakistan Eyes Bitcoin Mining and AI Data Centres 

For some time, Pakistan’s energy sector has struggled with structural challenges, such as high electricity tariffs and surplus generation capacity. Additionally, the rapid expansion of solar energy has complicated the landscape as more consumers turn to alternative energy sources to mitigate high costs. Therefore, the country aims to utilize surplus electricity for digital infrastructure, which would modernize the economy and improve returns on energy investments.

The executive also revealed that the location of the mining center will be finalized based on the regions with excess power availability. This initiative seeks to transform excess capacity into economic opportunity while supporting Pakistan’s digital growth agenda. 

This development comes just two days after the government appointed Binance co-founder and former CEO Changpeng Zhao (CZ) as Pakistan’s new strategic advisor on crypto. CZ’s role on the Pakistan Council will include supporting blockchain infrastructure and offering expert advice on regulatory frameworks. He will also assist with national initiatives, such as digital currency, mining, and youth education in blockchain technologies.

Pakistan Crypto Adoption

Saqib shared that Pakistan ranks among the top 10 countries in global crypto adoption, highlighting that the country has between 15 and 20 million crypto users. This figure places it as the third-largest freelancer economy, which is closely tied to fintech innovation.

“Pakistan is in the top 10 global crypto adopters despite it not being regularised,” he stated.

Moreover, Saqib advocates for regulatory sandboxes, or safe environments for testing, to foster innovation and growth in the fintech and freelancer economies. He added that upskilling Pakistan’s youth in blockchain and AI can drive job creation and the economy, boost exports through digital services, and position the country as a hub for emerging tech talent on the global stage.