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

Pakistan will begin using some of its excess electricity to power bitcoin mining and artificial intelligence (AI) data centers, representing a significant shift in the country's energy and technology policies aimed at converting excess capacity into economic opportunity, Reuters reports. The announcement was made by Bilal Bin Saqib, chairman of the Pakistan Cryptocurrency Council and adviser to the finance minister, who added that discussions had been held with several mining companies.

JUST NOW: Pakistan plans to use some of its surplus electricity to mine #Bitcoin, Reuters reports. pic.twitter.com/j1WTriVvw8

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Pakistan’s power sector has long faced structural problems such as high electricity tariffs and chronic overcapacity. Using excess power for digital infrastructure is seen as a way to modernize the economy and improve the returns on investment in the power sector.

The announcement comes just two days after Binance founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ) was appointed as Pakistan's new crypto strategic advisor.

JUST NOW: PAKISTAN APPOINTS FORMER BINANCE CEO CZ AS CRYPTOCURRENCY STRATEGIC ADVISOR pic.twitter.com/oWBoBDWjLg

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The initiative is led by Saqib, who in an interview with Bloomberg on March 25 called on international companies to consider Pakistan’s potential for bitcoin mining. “We are happy to see companies coming to Pakistan to evaluate the potential for bitcoin mining,” Saqib said. When asked why now is the right time to adopt bitcoin, he responded, “Well, why not? Because if not now, then when?”

Saqib also noted recent developments in U.S. crypto policy under President Donald Trump, whom he called “the most significant crypto bull catalyst in history.” He added, “I think Trump is changing the game. Trump signed an executive order that directs regulators to take digital assets into account, forming a White House crypto advisory group and creating a U.S. Bitcoin Strategic Reserve.”

“We have to understand what this means,” Saqib continued. “It means the world’s largest economy is creating a valuable national asset, just like it accumulates gold or oil for economic security and strength. I believe the U.S. is setting the tone for the world. Trump is making cryptocurrency a national priority, and every country, including Pakistan, will have to follow suit or risk being left behind.”