Pakistan Allocates 2,000 Megawatts for Bitcoin Mining and AI Data Centers

May 25, 2025 – Pakistan has allocated 2,000 megawatts of electricity in the first phase of a national initiative designed to support Bitcoin mining and AI data centers. This effort is part of the country’s broader push to legalize cryptocurrency and create a more favorable environment for foreign investments in the tech and blockchain sectors.

Repurposing Surplus Energy for High-Tech Jobs

The initiative, spearheaded by the Pakistan Crypto Council, aims to monetize surplus energy and create high-tech jobs. The finance ministry highlighted that coal-based power projects, such as Sahiwal, China Hub, and Port Qasim, which are currently operating at only 15% capacity, will be repurposed to support the new push for digital and tech infrastructure.

This initiative is part of Pakistan’s effort to bolster its struggling economy, which narrowly avoided default in 2023. With the rise of global interest in cryptocurrency mining and AI infrastructure, the country is seeking to leverage its unused energy resources to attract foreign investments and technological advancements.

Legalization and Investment Push

In a bid to solidify the country’s position as a crypto-friendly nation, Pakistan is also working on establishing a regulatory framework to nurture its growing crypto ecosystem. With an estimated 15-20 million crypto users in the country, Pakistan is focusing on attracting global capital by creating clear and supportive regulations for cryptocurrency and blockchain technology.

In April, the country’s government furthered this initiative by engaging Changpeng Zhao, the co-founder of Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, to help set up a digital finance platform. Additionally, the Crypto Council has signed an initial agreement with US President Donald Trump’s crypto project, which is expected to accelerate blockchain innovation and development within the country.

Global Interest and Economic Impact

The finance ministry noted that Pakistan has already attracted significant interest from global crypto miners and data infrastructure firms, although specific names were not disclosed. The national push to support Bitcoin mining and AI data centers signals Pakistan’s intent to integrate into the growing digital economy, diversify its energy use, and tap into the potential of blockchain technology.

Pakistan’s move to allocate resources for Bitcoin mining and AI data centers represents a critical step in the country’s digital transformation, opening up new avenues for economic growth, job creation, and international investments in the tech sector.