Pakistan to Allocate 2,000 MW of Power for Bitcoin Mining
The Pakistani government has decided to allocate 2,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity as part of the first phase of a national plan to support Bitcoin mining and artificial intelligence (AI) data centres.
According to Pakistani Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, this is the country’s first significant step towards a digital economy. He noted: “This power distribution is not just about cryptocurrencies or AI — it is about shaping the digital future of the country.”
The minister added that surplus electricity could now be used as a “source of national income.”
In a statement, the Finance Department said the initiative, backed by PCC (Pakistan Cryptocurrency Council), a government agency, is in line with a broader strategy to create high-tech jobs, attract billions of dollars in foreign direct investment and generate billions of dollars in government revenue.
PCC CEO Bilal bin Saqib said: “This digital transformation based on energy resources not only opens up access to high-value investments but also allows the government to generate foreign exchange in US dollars through Bitcoin mining.”
The statement also stressed that Pakistan has both the economic and geographical position to become a “global data centre hub” as it serves as a digital bridge between the Middle East, Europe and Asia.
Pakistan government to introduce tax incentives
Sources close to the ministry said the government may soon introduce tax incentives to encourage the development of blockchain and AI infrastructure. These measures could include lower income taxes and import duties for companies investing in data centers.
The government has also revealed its intentions to build renewable energy-powered data centres in the next phase. Officials have already confirmed that the new Africa-2 Sable submarine cable project will boost internet connectivity in the country.
The undersea cable connects 46 landing stations to 33 countries in Africa, South Asia and the Middle East. It is expected to increase the country’s capacity, add backup routes and reduce latency, which is necessary for rel=”nofollow noopener” target=”_blank”> meetings, Saqib stressed the important role of Pakistan’s youth in the process. He said, “The Pakistan Crypto Council is created because our youth are demanding a seat at the global tech table. We are building for a generation that sees opportunities in digital finance, decentralization and AI for leadership, innovation and prosperity for the nation.”
Saqib then briefed the army chief on the latest developments at the council. He mentioned the visit of the World Liberty Financial delegation and Binance founder Changpeng Zhao. He also spoke about the ongoing negotiations to develop regulations and partnerships to develop digital skills and improve the country's standing on the international stage.
Trump's World Liberty Financial (WLF) also signed a Letter of Intent with the Pakistan Cryptocurrency Council. The goal is to accelerate blockchain projects, the use of stablecoins, and greater adoption of DeFi in Pakistan.
Source: cryptonews.net
