ISLAMABAD: The government of Pakistan has announced a groundbreaking initiative by allocating 2,000 megawatts of electricity specifically for Bitcoin mining and Artificial Intelligence (AI) data centres.
This bold move aims to harness the country’s surplus energy, create cutting-edge employment opportunities, attract billions of dollars in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), and generate significant revenue for the national treasury.
The Finance Division revealed that this ambitious allocation is part of a comprehensive digital transformation strategy to capitalize on Pakistan’s abundant, yet underutilized, power resources. The initiative aligns with the government’s vision to diversify the economy by tapping into emerging technologies and expanding the country’s footprint in the global digital market.
Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb emphasized the significance of this strategic step during a recent statement. He described the initiative as a “pivotal moment” in Pakistan’s journey toward becoming a digital innovation hub. “By turning our excess electricity into engines of innovation, investment, and international revenue, we are not only addressing energy surplus but also unlocking Pakistan’s true economic potential,” he said.
The move is expected to catalyze high-tech job creation, particularly in areas involving blockchain technology, cryptocurrency, and AI.
The government envisions establishing specialized economic zones for these technologies, offering investors incentives such as tax breaks, streamlined regulations, and state-of-the-art infrastructure to foster innovation and growth.
Bilal Bin Saqib, CEO of the Pakistan Crypto Council, hailed the development as a transformative moment for the nation’s digital economy. “With proper regulatory frameworks, transparency, and active international collaboration, Pakistan can emerge as a global powerhouse in cryptocurrency mining and AI data processing,” he said.
According to Saqib, the initiative represents more than just economic opportunity—it could fundamentally shift how Pakistan interacts with global markets.
Currently, Pakistan faces challenges related to power surplus during off-peak hours, leading to wasted resources. By directing this surplus energy toward Bitcoin mining and AI centres, the country can significantly increase the return on its power generation investments. This also provides an environmentally efficient use of energy by linking it directly to emerging digital economies.
Bilal Bin Saqib further explained that this energy-backed digital transformation allows Pakistan to generate foreign exchange directly through Bitcoin mining.
Instead of selling electricity domestically in Pakistani Rupees, the government can accumulate cryptocurrency into a national digital wallet. This innovative approach could provide much-needed economic stability amid fluctuating global currency markets.
Industry experts believe that the establishment of AI data centres alongside Bitcoin mining operations will further cement Pakistan’s position in the digital landscape. AI centres can attract international research and development projects, providing a platform for local talent to collaborate with global tech leaders while fostering homegrown innovation.
The government’s plan also includes developing regulatory and security frameworks to safeguard these operations from cyber threats and financial malpractice. Transparent policies will encourage responsible investment, ensuring that the digital economy grows sustainably and benefits the wider population.
As Pakistan embarks on this path, the country joins a select group of nations leveraging surplus electricity for digital economic growth. This initiative has the potential to boost GDP, create thousands of jobs, and transform Pakistan into a competitive player in the high-tech sector.
The next steps involve detailed implementation plans, collaboration with private sector stakeholders, and securing international partnerships to fully realize this vision. If successful, Pakistan’s move could become a model for other emerging economies seeking to integrate traditional resources with futuristic technologies.
