Pakistan is exploring the use of its excess electricity to power Bitcoin mining facilities and artificial intelligence (AI) data centres, aiming to address energy surplus while tapping into the growing global tech economy. This initiative is part of the government’s broader digital agenda and economic revival strategies.
Bilal Bin Saqib, head of the Pakistan Crypto Council and adviser to the finance minister, revealed the plan during a recent interview with Reuters. Saqib highlighted that the move aligns with Pakistan’s goals to optimize underutilized power generation capacity, especially in regions with abundant surplus electricity, which could support mining and AI operations more efficiently.
With rising electricity tariffs and a surplus of power generation, the initiative is seen as a potential game-changer. Additionally, Pakistan’s renewable energy sector, particularly solar power, has led many consumers to move away from the main power grid. The government aims to capitalize on this shift by directing excess energy to fuel digital infrastructure.
Pakistan boasts between 15–20 million crypto users and ranks among the top 10 countries globally for crypto adoption. Despite the lack of formal regulations, Pakistan’s crypto ecosystem continues to grow rapidly. The country also ranks as the third-largest freelance economy in the world, with strong ties to blockchain and fintech services.
To further support the digital agenda, Saqib is advocating for the creation of regulatory sandboxes that would allow blockchain and fintech startups to experiment with new technologies without being constrained by immediate regulations. He also emphasized the importance of upskilling Pakistan’s youth in blockchain and AI technologies, which could significantly contribute to job creation, boost digital exports, and position Pakistan as a hub for emerging tech talent.
This move underscores Pakistan’s intention to shift from being a passive consumer of energy to an active producer in the digital economy, aiming to harness its technological potential and address long-standing power management challenges.
